Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Thick" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "thick", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
太い
ふとい (futoi)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
厚い
あつい (atsui)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "thick" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 太い and 厚い.
In Japanese, 太い (ふとい (futoi)) is typically associated with "thick, fat (for objects)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used to describe the thickness or girth of objects like pens, ropes, trees, or lines. Can also describe a person's build.
On the other hand, 厚い (あつい (atsui)) maps to "thick; deep; heavy; kind; cordial" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to physical thickness. A literal translation of "thick" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "太い"
この鉛筆はとても太いですね。
This pencil is very thick, isn't it?
Bilingual Context for "厚い"
彼はチームのメンバーから絶大な人気を誇っており、その卓越した指導力と誠実な人柄によって_______信頼を得ています。
He boasts huge popularity from the members of the team and has obtained deep trust due to his outstanding leadership and sincere personality.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この鉛筆はとても ＿＿＿ ですね。" (Meaning: "This pencil is very thick, isn't it?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "太い" fits here because it means "thick, fat (for objects)" in the context of: "This pencil is very thick, isn't it?". "厚い" represents "thick; deep; heavy; kind; cordial".