Lightweight in physical terms or low in intensity/burden.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes objects with low physical weight.
- Used for minor tasks or low-intensity actions.
- Expresses a casual or non-serious mental state.
Overview
- 1概要：「軽い」は、物体が重くない状態を指す最も基本的な言葉です。重さの対義語である「重い」と対比して使われます。2) 使用パターン：名詞を修飾する「軽い荷物」や、述語として使う「この鞄は軽い」という形が一般的です。また、抽象的な意味として「軽い運動」「軽い気持ち」のように、負担が少ない状況にも広く用いられます。3) 一般的な文脈：日常会話では、買い物や移動の際、あるいは体調や精神的な負担について話す際に頻繁に登場します。4) 類語との比較：「軽やか（かろやか）」は動きが優雅でリズム感がある様子を強調し、「薄い（うすい）」は厚みがないことを指します。「軽い」は主に重量や精神的な負荷の低さを指す点でこれらと異なります。
Examples
この鞄はとても軽いです。
everydayThis bag is very light.
軽い運動を毎日しています。
formalI do light exercise every day.
軽い気持ちで始めた。
informalI started it with a light heart (casually).
軽い風邪をひいている。
academicI have a mild cold.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
軽いノリ
Casual attitude
口が軽い
Loose-lipped (cannot keep a secret)
身が軽い
Agile / Unencumbered
Often Confused With
Refers to thinness or low concentration/density, whereas 'karui' refers to weight.
Refers to texture or softness, not weight.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is highly versatile and used in both formal and informal registers. When describing people, be careful as it can imply a lack of stability. It is a core adjective for daily communication.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse it with 'yasui' (cheap) due to similar sounds. Ensure you distinguish between weight and price. Also, avoid using it to describe people's body weight to prevent rudeness.
Tips
Use for both physical and abstract concepts
It works for objects like bags and abstract things like exercise or illnesses. Think of it as a low-burden state.
Avoid using for people's weight directly
Describing a person as 'karui' can sometimes imply a lack of seriousness or moral looseness. Use with caution.
Lightness as a positive value
In Japanese culture, being 'karui' in terms of movement or decision-making is often seen as agile and efficient.
Word Origin
Derived from the classical Japanese verb 'karu' (to be light). It has been used since ancient times to describe physical weight.
Cultural Context
Lightness is often associated with agility and mental flexibility in Japanese society. Being able to move or think 'lightly' is a valued trait in modern work environments.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'car' that is so 'light' it flies. Car-ui (light)!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions反対語は「重い（おもい）」です。物理的な重量だけでなく、責任やプレッシャーについても対照的に使われます。
真剣に考えすぎず、気楽な気持ちで物事に取り組むことを意味します。あまり深く考えずに決断する際によく使われます。
はい、「軽い風邪」のように症状が深刻ではない場合に使います。病状が重くないことを示す表現として一般的です。
「軽い」は単なる重さや程度の低さですが、「軽々しい」は慎重さが足りず、不真面目な態度を非難するニュアンスが含まれます。
Test Yourself
この荷物はとても___ので、一人で持てます。
一人で持てる重さなので、「軽い」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
Lightweight in physical terms or low in intensity/burden.
- Describes objects with low physical weight.
- Used for minor tasks or low-intensity actions.
- Expresses a casual or non-serious mental state.
Use for both physical and abstract concepts
It works for objects like bags and abstract things like exercise or illnesses. Think of it as a low-burden state.
Avoid using for people's weight directly
Describing a person as 'karui' can sometimes imply a lack of seriousness or moral looseness. Use with caution.
Lightness as a positive value
In Japanese culture, being 'karui' in terms of movement or decision-making is often seen as agile and efficient.
Examples
4 of 4この鞄はとても軽いです。
This bag is very light.
軽い運動を毎日しています。
I do light exercise every day.
軽い気持ちで始めた。
I started it with a light heart (casually).
軽い風邪をひいている。
I have a mild cold.
Related Content
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.
