The word 'karui' primarily describes low weight but extends to describe ease of movement and casual attitudes.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes an object with very little weight.
- Used to describe light physical movements or exercise.
- Indicates a casual or non-serious mental state.
概要：『軽い』は、物理的な重さの少なさを表す最も基本的な言葉です。日常会話で頻繁に使われ、重さだけでなく、感覚的な「手軽さ」や「重要度の低さ」を表現する際にも応用されます。
- 1使用パターン：基本形は「軽い」ですが、名詞を修飾する際は「軽い荷物」のようにそのまま使い、述語として使う場合は「この鞄は軽いです」となります。また、副詞的に「軽く運動する」のように使われることもあります。
Examples
この荷物はとても軽いです。
everydayThis luggage is very light.
軽い運動を毎日続けています。
formalI do light exercise every day.
そんなに軽い気持ちで言わないで。
informalDon't say it so lightly.
症状は比較的軽いようです。
academicThe symptoms appear to be relatively mild.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
軽く流す
to brush off / to handle lightly
軽い挨拶
a casual greeting
軽いジョーク
a light joke
Often Confused With
Usui refers to thinness (low thickness), whereas karui refers to weight.
Chiisai refers to size or volume, not the weight of the object.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'karui' for physical weight and general light intensity. When referring to people, it carries a negative connotation of being irresponsible. In formal writing, 'keiryou' (軽量) may be used for technical specifications.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often confuse it with 'chiisai' (small). Ensure you distinguish between physical size and weight. Also, avoid using 'karui' to describe a person's physical stature, as it sounds unnatural.
Tips
Use for both weight and attitude
Remember that 'karui' works for physical objects and abstract concepts like a 'light' conversation or a 'light' illness.
Avoid calling people 'karui'
Be careful when describing a person as 'karui', as it often implies they are flighty or untrustworthy.
The concept of lightness in Japan
Japanese culture often values 'lightness' in social interactions, such as light greetings or small gifts that don't burden the receiver.
Word Origin
Derived from the classical Japanese verb 'karushi', which has consistently meant having little weight throughout history.
Cultural Context
The term reflects the Japanese value of avoiding burdening others, often translated into the social practice of keeping interactions 'light'.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'car' that is so light it floats. 'Karui' sounds like 'car-y', making it easy to associate with a light vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions反対語は「重い（おもい）」です。物理的な重さだけでなく、精神的な負担が大きい場合にも「重い」を使います。
使えますが、注意が必要です。「軽い人」と言うと、言動が軽率で信頼できないというネガティブな意味になることが多いです。
動詞を修飾する副詞として使います。「軽く食べる」「軽く運動する」のように、少しだけ、あるいは気軽に行うという意味になります。
症状が深刻ではなく、すぐに治る状態を指します。「軽い風邪」と言えば、熱が低くすぐ回復するような風邪のことです。
Test Yourself
この鞄はとても___ので、持ち運びが楽です。
持ち運びが楽であるためには、重量が小さいことを示す「軽い」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
The word 'karui' primarily describes low weight but extends to describe ease of movement and casual attitudes.
- Describes an object with very little weight.
- Used to describe light physical movements or exercise.
- Indicates a casual or non-serious mental state.
Use for both weight and attitude
Remember that 'karui' works for physical objects and abstract concepts like a 'light' conversation or a 'light' illness.
Avoid calling people 'karui'
Be careful when describing a person as 'karui', as it often implies they are flighty or untrustworthy.
The concept of lightness in Japan
Japanese culture often values 'lightness' in social interactions, such as light greetings or small gifts that don't burden the receiver.
Examples
4 of 4この荷物はとても軽いです。
This luggage is very light.
軽い運動を毎日続けています。
I do light exercise every day.
そんなに軽い気持ちで言わないで。
Don't say it so lightly.
症状は比較的軽いようです。
The symptoms appear to be relatively mild.
Related Content
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
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絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
