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B1 noun 8 min read

肥満

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 肥満 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 肥満 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '肥満' (himan) yourself, as it is quite formal. Instead, you would likely learn '太っています' (futotteimasu - is fat) or '太い' (futoi - thick/fat). However, you might see '肥満' on a health form or in a simple doctor's office sign. At this stage, just remember that '肥満' means 'obesity.' It is a noun. You might see it in a simple sentence like '肥満はよくないです' (Obesity is not good). The focus for A1 learners is recognizing the kanji: 肥 (fat) and 満 (full). If you see a sign with a person with a large stomach and this word, it's about health and weight. Don't use it to describe your friends; it's too serious! Stick to simple descriptions until you understand the medical nuance of this term.

At the A2 level, you should begin to recognize '肥満' (himan) as a medical term for 'obesity.' You will encounter it in basic texts about health, such as '肥満の原因は食べ過ぎです' (The cause of obesity is overeating). You should understand that it is a noun and often pairs with 'の' (no) to describe things, like '肥満の人' (obese people) or '肥満の問題' (the problem of obesity). You might also learn the opposite word, '痩身' (soushin - slimness) or the more common '痩せている' (yaseteiru - is thin). A2 learners should be able to identify '肥満' in a list of health conditions. You should also be aware of the 'Metabo' (metabolic syndrome) nickname often used in Japan, which is a more common way people talk about being overweight in daily life.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use '肥満' (himan) in discussions about social issues or health. You should understand the difference between '太っている' (a physical description) and '肥満' ( a medical condition). You can use phrases like '肥満を防ぐために' (in order to prevent obesity) or '肥満に悩んでいる' (worrying about obesity). You should also be familiar with related terms like '生活習慣病' (lifestyle-related diseases) because they are almost always mentioned together with '肥満.' At this level, you might encounter '肥満児' (obese child) in news articles about education and health. You should be able to explain, in simple Japanese, that obesity is a health risk using this word. You'll also notice it in compound words like '肥満度' (degree of obesity) on health reports.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '肥満' (himan) in formal writing and debates. You should understand the nuances of the 'Metabo Law' in Japan and how '肥満' is treated as a corporate responsibility. You can discuss '内臓脂肪型肥満' (visceral fat type obesity) versus '皮下脂肪型肥満' (subcutaneous fat type obesity). Your vocabulary should include '肥満対策' (obesity countermeasures) and '肥満解消' (resolving obesity). You should also be able to understand more complex grammatical structures, such as '肥満がもたらす健康被害' (health damage brought about by obesity). At this level, you are expected to know that '肥満' is a neutral, medical term, whereas other words might be offensive or too casual for a professional or academic setting.

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '肥満' (himan) within the context of Japanese public policy and medical research. You should be able to read medical journals or government white papers that discuss the '肥満の蔓延' (spread of obesity) and its impact on the '国民医療費' (national medical expenses). You should understand the sociopolitical implications of the term, such as how the stigma of '肥満' affects employment or social status in Japan. You can use the word in complex sentences involving passive and causative forms, such as '肥満が遺伝的要因によって引き起こされる可能性' (the possibility that obesity is caused by genetic factors). You should also be familiar with historical changes in the perception of '肥満' in Japan, from a sign of wealth to a modern health crisis.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '肥満' (himan) and can use it with precision in any context. You can discuss the '肥満パラドックス' (obesity paradox) in geriatric medicine or the '肥満の社会経済的要因' (socioeconomic factors of obesity). You are aware of the subtle linguistic choices between using '肥満,' '過体重,' and 'メタボリックシンドローム' to frame a health issue. You can critique government campaigns against '肥満' and discuss the ethical implications of the 'Metabo Law.' Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a Japanese professional in health, sociology, or policy. You also understand the use of '肥満' in literature or historical texts where it might have carried different connotations of 'abundance' or 'fertility' (though the modern medical sense is now dominant).

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

肥満 in 30 Seconds

肥満 (himan) is the formal, medical Japanese noun for 'obesity,' used primarily in clinical, health-related, and professional settings rather than casual social conversation.
In Japan, a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or higher is clinically defined as 肥満, reflecting a lower threshold than the international standard of 30.
The word is commonly found in 'Metabo' health checkups, news reports on public health, and academic papers discussing lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes.
It functions as a noun and is often paired with verbs like 予防する (prevent) and 解消する (resolve), or in compounds like 肥満児 (obese child).

The Japanese word 肥満 (ひまん - himan) is the clinical and formal term for obesity or being significantly overweight. Unlike colloquial terms that might describe someone as 'chubby' or 'fat,' himan carries a medical and scientific weight, often used in health reports, news segments regarding public health, and doctor-patient consultations. The term is composed of two kanji: 肥 (hi), meaning 'to grow fat' or 'manure/fertilizer,' and 満 (man), meaning 'full' or 'complete.' Together, they describe a state of being 'full of fat' or having an excess of body fat that reaches a level of clinical concern.

Medical Context: In Japan, the definition of 肥満 is strictly defined by the Japan Society for the Study of Obesity (JASSO). A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or higher is categorized as himan, which is lower than the WHO standard of 30. This reflects the biological reality that East Asian populations tend to develop health issues like diabetes at lower BMI levels.

最近、運動不足で肥満気味です。 (Saikin, undou busoku de himan-gimi desu.) — Recently, I've been slightly obese due to a lack of exercise.

When using this word, it is important to understand its register. You would rarely call a friend himan in a casual setting unless you were discussing their health check results seriously. Instead, words like futotteiru (fat) or potchari (plump) are more common in social conversation. Himan appears most frequently in the context of the 'Metabo Law' (Specific Health Checkups), where Japanese employees over 40 must have their waistlines measured annually. This societal focus on preventing himan to reduce national healthcare costs has made the word a household term, though it remains clinical.

Social Nuance: Japan has a very low tolerance for obesity compared to Western nations. Being labeled as himan in a medical report can lead to mandatory health guidance sessions at work, highlighting the word's association with professional and social responsibility.

子供の肥満が社会問題になっている。 (Kodomo no himan ga shakai mondai ni natte iru.) — Childhood obesity is becoming a social problem.

Using 肥満 (himan) correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and its ability to function as a suru-verb (though less common than the noun form). It is most frequently seen in noun-noun compounds or as the subject of a sentence discussing health risks. For English speakers, the transition from 'obese' (adjective) to himan (noun) requires focus on the surrounding particles and verbs.

Common Verb Pairings: The most common verb used with himan is 解消する (kaishou suru), meaning 'to resolve' or 'to eliminate.' You will also see 予防する (yobou suru) for 'to prevent' and 悩む (nayamu) for 'to suffer from/worry about.'

彼は肥満を解消するためにジョギングを始めた。 (Kare wa himan wo kaishou suru tame ni jogingu wo hajimeta.) — He started jogging to resolve his obesity.

In academic or medical writing, himan is often the subject of causative sentences. For example, 'Obesity leads to diabetes' would be Himan wa tounyoubyou wo hikikosoku. Note that himan is a state, so to say someone 'is obese' in a medical sense, you would say himan-tai desu (is of an obese body type) or himan-shou desu (has the condition of obesity). Simply saying himan desu is grammatically correct but sounds quite blunt, almost like a label rather than a description.

Compound Words: 1. 肥満児 (Himan-ji): Obese child. 2. 高度肥満 (Koudo himan): Severe/Morbid obesity. 3. 内臓肥満 (Naizou himan): Visceral obesity (belly fat).

食事制限は肥満対策に不可欠だ。 (Shokuji seigen wa himan taisaku ni fukaketsu da.) — Dietary restrictions are essential for obesity countermeasures.

You will encounter 肥満 (himan) in several specific environments in Japan. The most common is the annual kenkou shindan (health checkup). In Japan, companies are legally required to provide these checkups. When the doctor reviews your results, they might point to your BMI and use the term himan. It is also a staple of morning talk shows (waido shou) that frequently feature segments on health, dieting, and the dangers of lifestyle-related diseases (seikatsu shuukan byou).

The 'Metabo' Culture: While himan is the technical term, you will often hear people use the loanword metabo (from metabolic syndrome) as a euphemism or a slightly more casual way to refer to himan, specifically visceral fat. However, news anchors and health officials will always revert to himan for clarity and authority.

テレビで肥満の恐ろしさについて解説していた。 (Terebi de himan no osoroshisa ni tsuite kaisetsu shite ita.) — On TV, they were explaining the horrors of obesity.

In schools, himan is used in a pedagogical sense. Physical education teachers and school nurses discuss himan prevention as part of the curriculum. You might see posters in the hallway showing the sugar content of sodas with the caption 'Prevent himan!' This early exposure reinforces the idea that himan is a condition to be managed and avoided through self-discipline, which is a core Japanese cultural value.

Public Service Announcements: The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) uses himan in all its statistics. When you hear reports about the 'rising rates of male obesity in their 40s,' the word used is always himan.

政府は肥満率を下げるためのキャンペーンを行っている。 (Seifu wa himan-ritsu wo sageru tame no kyanpeen wo okonatte iru.) — The government is conducting a campaign to lower the obesity rate.

The most significant mistake English speakers make with 肥満 (himan) is using it as an adjective. In English, we say 'He is obese.' In Japanese, you cannot say Kare wa himan desu and expect it to function like an adjective. It is a noun. To describe someone, you must use phrases like himan-tai (obese body) or the verb futotteiru (is fat). Using himan as a direct descriptor of a person can sound like you are reading a medical chart out loud, which can be perceived as cold or overly clinical.

Mistake: Using it for 'Chubby': Do not use himan to describe a baby or a pet that is cute and slightly overweight. For that, use むちむち (muchi-muchi) or ぽっちゃり (potchari). Calling a baby himan-ji (obese child) sounds like a serious medical diagnosis and might offend the parents.

❌ この猫はとても肥満だ。 (Kono neko wa totemo himan da.)
✅ この猫はとても太っている。 (Kono neko wa totemo futotte iru.)

Another mistake is confusing himan with kajyuu (overweight). While they are related, kajyuu is often used for things like 'overloading' a vehicle or a more general 'excess weight,' whereas himan is specifically about body fat. Additionally, avoid using the slang term debu. While debu is the common word for 'fatty,' himan is the word you use when you want to be respectful but serious about the health implications.

Mistake: Pronunciation: Ensure you don't confuse himan with hima (free time). The 'n' at the end of himan is crucial. Saying 'I am himan' (obese) when you mean 'I am hima' (free) is a classic and embarrassing beginner mistake.

彼は肥満というより、がっしりしている。 (Kare wa himan to iu yori, gasshiri shite iru.) — Rather than being obese, he is sturdily built.

Understanding the spectrum of words for 'fat' or 'obese' in Japanese is vital for choosing the right register. 肥満 (himan) sits at the clinical end of the spectrum. Let's look at how it compares to other common terms.

Himan vs. Futotteiru: 肥満 is a noun meaning 'obesity.' 太っている (futotteiru) is the continuous form of the verb futoru (to get fat), meaning 'is fat.' Use futotteiru for general descriptions and himan for medical contexts.
Himan vs. Metabo: メタボ (metabo) is shorter for 'metabolic syndrome.' While himan refers to overall body fat, metabo focuses specifically on abdominal fat and the accompanying health risks like high blood pressure. In casual office talk, metabo is much more common.
Himan vs. Potchari: ぽっちゃり (potchari) is a 'soft' word, often translated as 'plump' or 'curvy.' It is generally positive or at least neutral, whereas himan is strictly negative in a health sense.

医学的には肥満だが、見た目はぽっちゃりしている。 (Igaku-teki ni wa himan da ga, mitame wa potchari shite iru.) — Medically it's obesity, but the appearance is plump.

Other technical terms include 過体重 (kataijyuu), which literally means 'overweight.' This is often used in research papers to distinguish between those who are slightly over the ideal weight and those who are clinically himan. There is also 固太り (katabutori), which refers to being 'solidly fat' or having a lot of muscle under the fat, common in athletes or sumo wrestlers. Sumo wrestlers are technically himan by BMI, but their condition is often referred to as himan-tai with the caveat of high muscle mass.

彼は肥満というより、固太りのタイプだ。 (Kare wa himan to iu yori, katabutori no taipu da.) — He's more of a solidly-built type than just obese.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Japan, being '肥満' was actually a sign of status and wealth because it meant you had enough to eat, which was rare for the general population.

Pronunciation Guide

UK çi.maɴ

US çi.mɑn

Flat pitch accent (Heiban). All syllables are pronounced with roughly the same level of stress.

Rhymes With

じまん (jiman - pride) きまん (kiman - deception) ふまん (fuman - dissatisfaction) みまん (miman - less than) えんまん (enman - harmony) ごうまん (gouman - arrogance) がまん (gaman - patience) ひまん (himan - obesity)

Common Errors

Confusing 'himan' with 'hima' (free time).
Pronouncing 'hi' like English 'high'.
Making the 'n' sound too much like an English 'n' at the tip of the teeth.
Stressing the first syllable too heavily.
Mixing up the kanji order with 'man-hi' (not a word).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are N3/B1 level. They are common in health-related texts.

Writing 4/5

Writing the kanji '肥' and '満' requires practice with stroke order.

Speaking 2/5

The word is easy to pronounce but requires knowing the right social context.

Listening 2/5

Easy to recognize in health segments on TV or at the doctor.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

太る (futoru) 体 (karada) 健康 (kenkou) 食べる (taberu) 多い (ooi)

Learn Next

糖尿病 (tounyoubyou - diabetes) 高血圧 (kouketsuatsu - high blood pressure) 生活習慣病 (seikatsu shuukan byou) 改善 (kaizen - improvement) 予防 (yobou - prevention)

Advanced

内臓脂肪 (naizou shibou) 皮下脂肪 (hika shibou) 代謝 (taisha - metabolism) 疫学 (ekigaku - epidemiology)

Grammar to Know

Noun + 気味 (gimi)

最近、肥満気味なので、甘いものを控えています。(Lately I'm slightly obese, so I'm cutting back on sweets.)

Noun + の原因 (no gen-in)

肥満の原因を特定する。(Identify the cause of obesity.)

Noun + 対策 (taisaku)

冬の肥満対策について話し合う。(Discuss obesity countermeasures for winter.)

Noun + を解消する (wo kaishou suru)

ジョギングで肥満を解消する。(Resolve obesity through jogging.)

Noun + による (ni yoru)

肥満による健康への悪影響。(Bad effects on health caused by obesity.)

Examples by Level

肥満は体に悪いです。

Obesity is bad for the body.

Noun + は + Adjective.

彼は肥満ではありません。

He is not obese.

Noun + ではありません (negative polite).

肥満に気をつけてください。

Please be careful about obesity.

Noun + に + 気をつける (to be careful of).

食べ過ぎは肥満の原因です。

Overeating is the cause of obesity.

A is B (Noun + の + Noun).

肥満は病気ですか。

Is obesity a disease?

Question form of 'A is B'.

日本人の肥満は少ないです。

Obesity among Japanese people is low.

Possessive 'no' + Noun + は + Adjective.

肥満の人は歩きましょう。

Obese people should walk.

Modifying a noun with 'no'.

これは肥満の本です。

This is a book about obesity.

Simple demonstrative sentence.

最近、肥満になる人が増えています。

Recently, people who become obese are increasing.

Noun + になる (to become).

肥満を防ぐために野菜を食べます。

I eat vegetables to prevent obesity.

Verb dictionary form + ために (in order to).

医者に肥満だと言われました。

I was told by the doctor that I am obese.

Passive voice 'iwaremashita'.

肥満は健康に大きな影響を与えます。

Obesity has a big impact on health.

Noun + に + 影響を与える (to give/have an impact on).

運動不足は肥満につながります。

Lack of exercise leads to obesity.

Noun + につながる (leads to).

肥満を解消するのは大変です。

It is hard to resolve obesity.

Verb phrase + no wa (nominalization).

肥満児のためのキャンプがあります。

There is a camp for obese children.

Compound noun 'Himan-ji'.

父は肥満を気にしています。

My father is worried about obesity.

Noun + を気にする (to worry about).

現代社会では、肥満が深刻な問題となっています。

In modern society, obesity has become a serious problem.

Noun + となっている (has become/is becoming).

肥満を放置すると、様々な病気のリスクが高まります。

If you leave obesity untreated, the risk of various diseases increases.

Verb (conditional -to) + Noun + ga takamaru.

彼は肥満を克服するために、食生活を改善した。

He improved his eating habits to overcome obesity.

Noun + を克服する (to overcome).

肥満度を測るために、BMIがよく使われます。

BMI is often used to measure the degree of obesity.

Passive voice 'tsukawaremasu'.

子供の頃からの肥満は、大人になっても続きやすい。

Obesity from childhood tends to continue into adulthood.

Verb stem + yasui (easy to/tends to).

ストレスが原因で肥満になることもあります。

There are cases where stress causes obesity.

Noun + ga gen-in de (due to the cause of).

肥満は単なる見た目の問題ではありません。

Obesity is not just a problem of appearance.

単なる (tannaru - mere/just) + Noun.

政府は肥満対策として、新しい法律を制定した。

The government enacted a new law as an obesity countermeasure.

Noun + としで (as a...).

内臓脂肪型肥満は、メタボリックシンドロームの主要な要因です。

Visceral fat type obesity is a major factor in metabolic syndrome.

Specific medical compound nouns.

高度肥満の患者には、外科的な治療が必要な場合もある。

For patients with severe obesity, surgical treatment may be necessary.

Noun + ni wa (for/regarding) + Noun + ga hitsuyou.

肥満と遺伝の関係については、現在も研究が進められている。

Research is still ongoing regarding the relationship between obesity and genetics.

Passive progressive form 'susumerarete-iru'.

先進国において、肥満は低所得層に多く見られる傾向がある。

In developed countries, obesity tends to be seen more in low-income groups.

Noun + ni mirareru keikou ga aru (tends to be seen in).

肥満が社会に与える経済的損失は無視できない。

The economic loss that obesity imposes on society cannot be ignored.

Relative clause + mushi dekinai (cannot ignore).

学校給食の内容を見直すことで、肥満の予防に繋げたい。

By reviewing the contents of school lunches, we want to link it to obesity prevention.

Verb 'te-form' + koto de (by doing...).

急激な体重増加は、肥満だけでなく他の疾患も疑うべきだ。

Rapid weight gain should raise suspicion of not only obesity but also other diseases.

Noun + dake de naku (not only...).

肥満に対する社会的な偏見をなくすことが重要だ。

It is important to eliminate social prejudice against obesity.

Noun + ni taisuru (against/towards) + Noun.

肥満の蔓延は、公衆衛生上の喫緊の課題となっている。

The spread of obesity has become an urgent public health issue.

Formal vocabulary: 蔓延 (man-en), 喫緊 (kikkin).

都市化に伴うライフスタイルの変化が、肥満を助長している。

Changes in lifestyle accompanying urbanization are encouraging obesity.

Noun + ni tomonau (accompanying) + Noun + wo jyocho suru (to promote/encourage).

肥満に関する疫学的調査により、食習慣の影響が浮き彫りになった。

Epidemiological surveys on obesity have highlighted the impact of dietary habits.

Noun + ni yori (by means of) + ukibori ni natta (came into relief/highlighted).

自己管理の欠如を肥満の唯一の原因とするのは、あまりに短絡的だ。

It is overly simplistic to consider lack of self-management as the sole cause of obesity.

Noun + wo + Noun + to suru (to consider A as B).

肥満は、インスリン抵抗性を引き起こす主要な因子である。

Obesity is a major factor that causes insulin resistance.

Scientific register.

肥満対策の推進には、多職種間の連携が不可欠である。

Collaboration among multiple professions is essential for promoting obesity countermeasures.

Formal 'fukaketsu de aru' ending.

広告規制を通じて、子供たちの肥満を抑制する試みがなされている。

Attempts are being made to suppress childhood obesity through advertising regulations.

Noun + wo tsuujite (through/via).

肥満の定義は、人種や民族によって再考される必要がある。

The definition of obesity needs to be reconsidered based on race and ethnicity.

Noun + ni yotte (depending on/by).

肥満の増加は、現代の消費社会が生み出した歪みの象徴とも言える。

The increase in obesity can be said to be a symbol of the distortions created by modern consumer society.

Metaphorical and philosophical register.

肥満が個人の自己責任に帰せられる風潮は、スティグマを助長しかねない。

The trend of attributing obesity to individual responsibility could potentially promote stigma.

Verb stem + kanenai (might/could - negative outcome).

肥満の病態生理学的メカニズムを解明することは、新薬開発の鍵となる。

Elucidating the pathophysiological mechanisms of obesity is key to developing new drugs.

Highly technical noun compounds.

肥満を巡る言説は、しばしば道徳的な判断と混同されがちである。

Discourses surrounding obesity are often prone to being confused with moral judgments.

Noun + wo meguru (surrounding/concerning) + Verb stem + gachi (prone to).

肥満抑制に向けた介入策は、個人の行動変容を促すだけでなく、環境整備も含むべきだ。

Intervention measures aimed at suppressing obesity should include not only prompting individual behavioral changes but also environmental improvements.

Complex parallel structure with 'dake de naku... mo'.

肥満は、低栄養と肥満が共存する「栄養の二重負荷」という新たな局面を迎えている。

Obesity is entering a new phase known as the 'double burden of nutrition,' where undernutrition and obesity coexist.

Noun + to iu (called/known as) + Noun.

肥満に対する包括的なアプローチは、社会保障制度の持続可能性を担保する上で不可欠だ。

A comprehensive approach to obesity is essential in ensuring the sustainability of social security systems.

Noun + wo tanpo suru ue de (in the process of ensuring/guaranteeing).

肥満研究の進展により、脂肪細胞が単なるエネルギー貯蔵庫ではなく、内分泌器官であることが判明した。

With progress in obesity research, it has been revealed that fat cells are not mere energy stores but endocrine organs.

Noun + de wa naku (not A but B) + koto ga hanmei shita.

Common Collocations

肥満を防ぐ

肥満を解消する

肥満の原因

肥満対策

肥満児

高度肥満

肥満度

内臓肥満

肥満傾向

肥満外来

Common Phrases

肥満は万病の元

— Obesity is the source of all diseases. This is a very common proverb in Japan.

肥満は万病の元だから、痩せなさい。

肥満気味

— Tending towards obesity. Used when someone is slightly overweight.

健康診断で肥満気味だと言われた。

肥満体質

— A physical constitution prone to obesity. Used to describe people who gain weight easily.

私は肥満体質なので、食事に気をつけている。

中年肥満

— Middle-age obesity. Refers to weight gain that occurs as metabolism slows down in mid-life.

中年肥満を避けるために歩いている。

産後肥満

— Postpartum obesity. Weight gain or difficulty losing weight after childbirth.

産後肥満に悩む女性は多い。

肥満社会

— An obese society. A term used to describe a society where obesity is widespread.

アメリカは肥満社会と言われている。

隠れ肥満

— Hidden obesity. Refers to people who look thin but have a high body fat percentage.

若い女性に隠れ肥満が増えている。

肥満指数

— Obesity index. Usually refers to BMI.

肥満指数を計算してみた。

肥満細胞

— Mast cells (in biology) or fat cells (colloquially). Note: In biology, '肥満細胞' actually refers to mast cells involved in allergies, which can be confusing!

肥満細胞がアレルギーに関係している。

肥満大国

— A nation of obesity. Often used to describe countries with very high obesity rates.

メキシコは肥満大国の一つだ。

Often Confused With

肥満 vs 暇 (hima)

Hima means 'free time.' Himan means 'obesity.' The 'n' at the end is the only difference in sound.

肥満 vs 肥大 (hidai)

Hidai means 'enlargement' or 'hypertrophy' of an organ. Himan is specific to body fat.

肥満 vs 不満 (fuman)

Fuman means 'dissatisfaction.' It sounds similar but the first kanji is different.

Idioms & Expressions

"脂が乗る"

— Literally 'to have fat on it,' but idiomatically it means to be in one's prime or at the peak of one's skill.

彼は仕事に脂が乗っている時期だ。

Positive/Idiomatic

"太っ腹"

— Literally 'fat stomach,' but idiomatically means 'generous' or 'magnanimous.'

社長は太っ腹だから、全員に奢ってくれた。

Positive/Casual

"身を肥やす"

— To enrich oneself, often at the expense of others or through unfair means.

汚職役人が私服を肥やしている。

Negative/Formal

"食っちゃ寝"

— Eating and sleeping repeatedly. A lifestyle that leads to obesity.

正月は食っちゃ寝の生活で太ってしまった。

Informal

"メタボ予備軍"

— Those on the verge of metabolic syndrome/obesity.

運動しないとメタボ予備軍になってしまう。

Neutral/Common

"腹が出る"

— To develop a potbelly.

ビールを飲みすぎて腹が出てきた。

Informal

"三日坊主"

— Someone who gives up after three days (often used regarding diets to fix obesity).

肥満解消の運動も、三日坊主に終わった。

Informal

"口が寂しい"

— To feel the need to eat something even when not hungry (a cause of obesity).

口が寂しくて、ついお菓子を食べてしまう。

Informal

"正月太り"

— New Year's weight gain.

正月太りを解消するためにジムに行く。

Common

"幸せ太り"

— Weight gain due to being happy and content, often after marriage.

彼は結婚してから幸せ太りしたね。

Positive/Casual

Easily Confused

肥満 vs 太る (futoru)

Both mean 'fat.'

Futoru is a verb (to get fat). Himan is a formal noun (obesity). You use 'futoru' in daily life and 'himan' in medical reports.

冬は太りやすい。(It's easy to get fat in winter.) vs 肥満は病気だ。(Obesity is a disease.)

肥満 vs メタボ (metabo)

Both refer to being overweight.

Metabo is a catch-all term for metabolic syndrome, specifically belly fat. Himan is the broader clinical term for obesity based on BMI.

彼はメタボだ。(He has metabolic syndrome.)

肥満 vs 過体重 (kataijyuu)

Both mean overweight.

Kataijyuu is 'overweight' (BMI 23-24.9 in Japan), while Himan is 'obese' (BMI 25+).

過体重から肥満に移行する。

肥満 vs 固太り (katabutori)

Both describe being large.

Katabutori implies a solid, muscular build with fat (like a wrestler). Himan is just the clinical state of excess fat.

彼は固太りだから力がある。

肥満 vs 肥満児 (himanji)

Confused with 'fat kid'.

Himanji is specifically used for children in a medical/educational context.

肥満児の指導を行う。

Sentence Patterns

Aは肥満です。

彼は肥満です。(He is obese.)

肥満を防ぐために、Aをします。

肥満を防ぐために、毎日走ります。(I run every day to prevent obesity.)

Aは肥満の原因の一つです。

運動不足は肥満の原因の一つです。(Lack of exercise is one of the causes of obesity.)

最近、Aは肥満に悩んでいます。

最近、姉は肥満に悩んでいます。(Recently, my sister has been worrying about obesity.)

Aは肥満対策として有効です。

糖質制限は肥満対策として有効です。(Carb restriction is effective as an obesity countermeasure.)

肥満がAを引き起こすリスクがあります。

肥満が糖尿病を引き起こすリスクがあります。(Obesity has the risk of causing diabetes.)

肥満の蔓延はAに繋がります。

肥満の蔓延は医療費の増大に繋がります。(The spread of obesity leads to an increase in medical costs.)

Aを肥満の自己責任に帰すべきではない。

全ての健康問題を肥満の自己責任に帰すべきではない。(One should not attribute all health problems to the individual responsibility of obesity.)

Word Family

Nouns

肥満 (Obesity)

肥満児 (Obese child)

肥満体 (Obese body)

肥満症 (Obesity as a disease)

肥満度 (Obesity degree)

Verbs

肥満する (To become obese - rare)

肥える (To grow fat/fertile)

肥やす (To fatten/enrich)

Adjectives

肥満した (Obese - past participle style)

肥えた (Fat/Fertile/Rich)

脂肪 (Fat/Lipids)

体重 (Body weight)

健康 (Health)

食事 (Diet/Meal)

運動 (Exercise)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in medical, news, and official health contexts. Rare in casual social greetings.

Common Mistakes

Using 'himan' as an adjective like 'obese'. → Using it as a noun: 'himan no hito' or 'himan-tai'.
In English, 'obese' is an adjective. In Japanese, 'himan' is a noun. You cannot say 'Kare wa totemo himan desu' to mean 'He is very obese' in the same way.
Confusing 'himan' with 'hima' (free time). → Pronouncing the final 'n'.
Saying 'Watashi wa himan desu' when you mean 'I'm free' (Watashi wa hima desu) will lead to people thinking you are announcing your obesity.
Using 'himan' for a cute chubby baby. → Using 'potchari' or 'muchi-muchi'.
'Himan' is a serious medical term. Using it for a baby sounds like you are diagnosing them with a disease, which is socially inappropriate.
Confusing 'himan' with 'hidai' (enlargement). → Using 'himan' specifically for body fat.
'Hidai' is used for things like an enlarged heart (shinzou hidai), while 'himan' is strictly for obesity.
Thinking 'himan' is a compliment because of its 'fullness' kanji. → Treating it as a negative health condition.
While 'man' (full) is often positive, in this combination it refers to an excess that is harmful.

Tips

Use in Medical Contexts

Always use '肥満' when talking to a doctor or reading health documents. It is the most accurate and professional term for obesity.

Noun Treatment

Remember that '肥満' is a noun. You cannot say 'He is very himan' using it like an adjective. You must say 'He is in a state of himan' or 'His himan is progressing.'

Be Careful with Others

Avoid using '肥満' to describe people you know personally unless the context is strictly about health. It can feel like a cold, clinical label.

Learn the Compounds

Words like '肥満児' (obese child) and '肥満対策' (obesity countermeasures) are very common in news. Learning them will help you understand social issues in Japan.

The 'Metabo' Connection

If you hear the word 'metabo,' think 'himan.' They are often used interchangeably in casual office settings to discuss the same health concerns.

Hi-Man!

Imagine a superhero called 'Hi-Man' who is ironically very obese. This will help you remember the pronunciation and the meaning.

The Nasal 'N'

Make sure the final 'n' is soft. Don't let it sound like the 'n' in 'can.' It should be more like the end of 'song' but without the 'g'.

Kanji Recognition

Look for the 'meat' radical (⺼) on the left of '肥'. This radical often appears in kanji related to the body or fat.

TV Health Segments

Japanese morning shows love talking about 'himan.' Watching these is a great way to hear the word used in context with lots of visual aids.

Stroke Order

Pay attention to the 'man' (満) kanji. It has many strokes, but it is a very common kanji for 'full' or 'satisfy,' so it's worth mastering.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'HI-ppo' (肥) who is 'MAN-y' (満) times the size of a normal person. He is HI-MAN!

Visual Association

Imagine a balloon that is being filled (満) with fat (肥) until it is about to pop.

Word Web

Health BMI Hospital Diet Exercise Diabetes Metabo Fat

Challenge

Try to find the word '肥満' on a Japanese news website or a health product label today. Notice the context it is used in.

Word Origin

The term comes from Classical Chinese. 肥 refers to the richness of soil or the fatness of animals, while 満 refers to being full or overflowing.

Original meaning: Originally, it described something that was abundantly fat or fertile, often used for livestock or land.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'himan' directly toward a person. It is a medical term and can feel like an insult or a cold diagnosis. Use 'futotteiru' for descriptions or 'potchari' for a softer tone.

In the West, 'obesity' is often discussed as a systemic or genetic issue, while in Japan, the focus remains heavily on individual lifestyle and diet.

Metabo Law (National health policy) Sumo Wrestling (The only context where being large is revered) Wall-E (Often used in Japanese media to discuss the future of a 'himan society')

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical Checkup (健康診断)

肥満度はどのくらいですか？
肥満を解消する必要があります。
BMIが25を超えると肥満です。
肥満気味なので注意してください。

News/TV (ニュース・テレビ)

子供の肥満が増えています。
肥満と病気の関係について。
最新の肥満治療法。
肥満大国アメリカの現状。

Gym/Fitness (ジム・フィットネス)

肥満対策のプログラム。
効率よく肥満を解消する。
肥満度を測定する。
隠れ肥満に注意。

School (学校)

肥満児の健康管理。
肥満予防の教育。
学校給食と肥満。
運動不足による肥満。

Workplace (職場)

メタボ（肥満）対策の義務。
社員の肥満率を下げる。
肥満による欠勤のリスク。
健康経営と肥満。

Conversation Starters

"最近、健康診断の結果はどうでしたか？肥満とか言われませんでしたか？ (How were your health check results? You weren't told you're obese, were you?)"

"日本の肥満率は世界的に見て低いそうですね。 (I hear Japan's obesity rate is low compared to the rest of the world.)"

"子供の肥満を防ぐには、何が一番大切だと思いますか？ (What do you think is most important to prevent childhood obesity?)"

"肥満解消のために何か特別な運動をしていますか？ (Are you doing any special exercise to resolve obesity?)"

"最近のテレビは肥満対策の番組が多いですね。 (There are many TV programs about obesity countermeasures lately, aren't there?)"

Journal Prompts

自分の健康状態について書いてください。肥満について心配なことはありますか？ (Write about your health. Do you have any concerns about obesity?)

あなたの国と日本の肥満に対する考え方の違いについて述べてください。 (Describe the difference in thinking about obesity between your country and Japan.)

肥満を防ぐための理想的な食生活とはどのようなものですか？ (What is the ideal diet for preventing obesity?)

政府は国民の肥満を管理すべきだと思いますか？ (Do you think the government should manage the citizens' obesity?)

肥満を解消した経験、または知人の経験について書いてください。 (Write about an experience of resolving obesity, either yours or someone you know.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is not offensive in a medical or formal context, but calling someone 'himan' to their face in a social setting is blunt and potentially rude. It's like calling someone 'clinically obese' instead of just 'heavy.' It sounds very detached and judgmental if used outside of a health discussion.

In Japan, a BMI of 25 or higher is considered 'himan.' This is different from the WHO standard, where 'overweight' starts at 25 and 'obese' starts at 30. Japan uses a stricter standard because East Asians have higher health risks at lower BMI levels.

Yes, you can use 'himan' for pets in a veterinary context. For example, 'Kono inu wa himan desu' (This dog is obese). However, in casual talk, owners usually say 'futorisugi' (too fat) or 'potchari' (chubby).

'Kakure himan' (hidden obesity) refers to people who have a normal BMI but a high body fat percentage. This is a common concern in Japan for people who don't exercise but eat poorly.

It is common in the sense that everyone knows it, but it's mostly heard on TV or at the doctor. In daily conversation, people are more likely to use 'metabo' or 'futoru.'

You say 'shouni himan' (小児肥満) or 'kodomo no himan' (子供の肥満). A child who is obese is called a 'himan-ji' (肥満児).

The medical opposite is 'te-taijyuu' (低体重 - low body weight) or 'soushin' (痩身 - slimness). Casually, it's 'yaseteiru' (thin).

Yes, it specifically refers to the accumulation of fat. It is not used for being 'big' in terms of height or muscle.

Yes, it is a Kango (Sino-Japanese word), which is why it sounds more formal and academic than the native Japanese word 'futoru.'

It is written as 肥満. The first kanji '肥' means fat, and the second '満' means full.