B1 adjective Neutral 1 min read

濃い

koi /koi/
Practice it

The word 'koi' describes high density, whether it refers to chemical concentration, color saturation, or the intensity of an experience.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Used for high concentration or density
  • Describes deep colors and strong flavors
  • Indicates intense relationships or experiences

類語比較

「強い（つよい）」は力や勢いを指すのに対し、「濃い」は成分や密度が詰まっているニュアンスが強いです。また、「深い（ふかい）」は色や感情に対して使われますが、濃度という側面では「濃い」がより適切です。

Examples

1

このスープは少し味が濃いですね。

everyday

This soup is a bit strong in flavor.

2

彼とは非常に濃い時間を過ごしました。

formal

I spent a very meaningful/intense time with him.

3

もっと濃い色のペンはありますか？

informal

Do you have a pen with a darker color?

4

この溶液は濃度が濃い。

academic

This solution has a high concentration.

Common Collocations

濃い味 Strong flavor
濃い色 Dark/Deep color
濃い関係 Intense/Close relationship

Common Phrases

中身の濃い

Substantial/Rich in content

顔が濃い

Deep-featured face

濃いメイク

Heavy makeup

Often Confused With

濃い vs 深い (fukai)

Fukai refers to physical depth or abstract depth like emotion/meaning. Koi refers to concentration and density.

濃い vs 強い (tsuyoi)

Tsuyoi refers to power, force, or durability. Koi is specifically for the amount of substance in a mixture.

Grammar Patterns

～が濃い ～を濃くする ～という濃い関係

How to Use It

Usage Notes

Koi is a versatile adjective used in both casual and formal settings. It is neutral in tone. Be careful not to use it for physical strength.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 'koi' with 'tsuyoi' when talking about flavor. Remember that 'koi' relates to the concentration of ingredients. Also, ensure the conjugation follows standard i-adjective rules.

Tips

💡

Focus on Density

Think of 'koi' as 'crowded' or 'packed'. Whether it is flavor particles or colors, it means there is a lot of 'stuff' in one place.

⚠️

Avoid for Physical Strength

Do not use 'koi' to describe a person's physical strength. Use 'tsuyoi' for strength and 'koi' for density or intensity.

🌍

Cultural Nuance of 'Koi'

In Japanese culture, 'koi' is often used to describe high-quality tea or coffee, implying a rich, premium experience.

Word Origin

Derived from the ancient Japanese root 'ko-', indicating density. It has been used since the Heian period to describe colors and liquids.

Cultural Context

In Japan, 'koi' is often associated with 'umami' or 'richness' in food, which is highly valued in traditional cuisine.

Memory Tip

Imagine a coffee cup filled to the brim with dark grounds. It is so 'packed' that it is 'koi'.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

「濃い」は成分の密度や色味に使われますが、「強い」は力や影響力、忍耐力などに使われます。例えば「味が濃い」は成分が多いことを指し、「味が強い」と言うと個性が際立っているというニュアンスになります。

お互いの距離が近く、頻繁に会ったり深い話をしたりする親密な関係を指します。単に仲が良いだけでなく、密度が高い付き合いをしていることを示します。

目鼻立ちがはっきりしていて、彫りが深い顔のことを指します。日本では、いわゆるソース顔のような印象的な顔立ちに対してよく使われる表現です。

反対語は「薄い（うすい）」です。濃度や色が低い場合や、関係が希薄な場合にも使われます。

Test Yourself

fill blank

このコーヒーは少し___ので、お湯を足してください。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 濃い

濃度が高い状態を指すため「濃い」が正解です。

multiple choice

次のうち、正しい表現はどれですか？

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 味が濃くない

形容詞の否定形は「〜くない」です。

sentence building

（ 関係 / 私たち / は / 濃い ）

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 私たちは 濃い 関係

「私たちは」が主語で、「濃い関係」が名詞を修飾する形です。

Score: /3

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