Omoi describes both physical weight and abstract burdens like responsibility or pressure.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used for items with significant physical weight.
- Describes psychological pressure or heavy responsibilities.
- Can imply an awkward or tense social atmosphere.
使用パターン
物理的な重さ（例：重い荷物）のほか、心身の状態や状況の深刻さを表す際にも使われます。例えば、「責任が重い」や「空気が重い」といった表現は、心理的なプレッシャーや緊張感を示します。また、動作が緩慢であることを「動きが重い」と表現することもあります。
一般的な文脈
日常生活では、買い物袋やカバンについて使うのが最も一般的です。ビジネスシーンでは、重要な仕事や責任を指して「責任が重い」と表現します。また、人間関係や恋愛において、相手からの愛情や要求が強すぎて負担に感じることを「重い」と表現する俗語的な用法も定着しています。
類語との比較
「重い」の対義語は「軽い」です。似た言葉に「重量がある」「負担が大きい」などがありますが、「重い」は最も直接的で、物理的・心理的の両面で使える汎用性の高い言葉です。一方、「ずっしりした」は重みの質感を強調する表現であり、「重苦しい」は雰囲気の悪さをより強調する表現です。
Examples
この荷物は重いですね。
everydayThis luggage is heavy.
彼は重大な責任を負っている。
formalHe bears a heavy responsibility.
あの人、ちょっと重いんだよね。
informalThat person is a bit intense/clingy.
社会的に重い課題である。
academicIt is a socially heavy issue.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
腰が重い
reluctant to start something
口が重い
not talkative
重い一歩
a difficult first step
Often Confused With
While 'omoi' is neutral, 'omokurushii' implies a negative, suffocating, or gloomy atmosphere.
This is a more technical or formal way to describe weight, often used in product descriptions.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word 'omoi' is neutral in register. It can be used in casual conversation as well as formal settings. When used for people, it often carries a negative connotation of being 'clingy' or 'too intense'.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes use 'omoi' to describe a person's weight directly, which is offensive. Use 'futotte iru' (fat) or 'taijuu ga aru' (having weight) instead. Also, avoid confusing it with 'omoshiroi' (interesting).
Tips
Use for both physical and mental weight
Remember that 'omoi' is not just for kilograms. It works perfectly for stress, duty, and even social atmosphere.
Avoid using 'omoi' for people
Saying a person is 'omoi' can be rude, implying they are physically fat. Use it for things or abstract feelings instead.
The concept of 'heavy' atmosphere
Japanese culture values harmony. An 'omoi' atmosphere often refers to a situation where people are tense or avoiding conflict.
Word Origin
Derived from the ancient Japanese word 'omoshi', which relates to the importance or gravity of a situation. It has evolved to cover both physical mass and metaphorical weight.
Cultural Context
In Japanese society, 'omoi' is frequently used to describe social pressure (seken-tei) or the weight of expectations from family or work. It reflects the value placed on fulfilling one's role in a group.
Memory Tip
Imagine an 'O-Moy' (Oh, my!) moment when you try to lift a box that is unexpectedly heavy. The sound 'Omoi' sounds like a groan of effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions反対語は「軽い（かるい）」です。重さがない、あるいは少ない状態を指します。
その仕事や役割が重要であり、失敗が許されないようなプレッシャーがある状態を指します。
相手からの愛情表現が強すぎたり、依存度が高かったりして、精神的に負担を感じることを指します。
「重かった」となります。例えば「荷物が重かった」のように使います。
Test Yourself
このカバンはとても___です。
カバンを持ち上げるのが大変な状態なので「重い」が適切です。
「責任が重い」の意味は？
責任が重いとは、心理的な負担や重要性を指します。
（荷物 / が / 今日 / 重い / は）
「今日は」が文頭に来るのが自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
Omoi describes both physical weight and abstract burdens like responsibility or pressure.
- Used for items with significant physical weight.
- Describes psychological pressure or heavy responsibilities.
- Can imply an awkward or tense social atmosphere.
Use for both physical and mental weight
Remember that 'omoi' is not just for kilograms. It works perfectly for stress, duty, and even social atmosphere.
Avoid using 'omoi' for people
Saying a person is 'omoi' can be rude, implying they are physically fat. Use it for things or abstract feelings instead.
The concept of 'heavy' atmosphere
Japanese culture values harmony. An 'omoi' atmosphere often refers to a situation where people are tense or avoiding conflict.
Examples
4 of 4この荷物は重いですね。
This luggage is heavy.
彼は重大な責任を負っている。
He bears a heavy responsibility.
あの人、ちょっと重いんだよね。
That person is a bit intense/clingy.
社会的に重い課題である。
It is a socially heavy issue.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
