synonym Comparative
希薄
VS
げっそり
Differences Between "希薄" and "げっそり"
Option A
希薄
Meaning
thin, dilute, rarefied, weak (of atmosphere, interest, etc.)
Reading
きはく (kihaku)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
山の上では空気が希薄になる。
The air becomes thin on top of the mountain.
Option B
げっそり
Meaning
become thin, lose a lot of weight (from worry/illness); feel disappointed/discouraged
Reading
げっそり (gessori)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼は病気でげっそり痩せてしまった。
He became terribly thin from illness.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(thin, dilute, rarefied, weak (of atmosphere, interest, etc.))"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 希薄: Often used to describe something that is not dense, weak in concentration, or lacking in presence (e.g., air, interest, emotion). Can refer to physical substances or abstract concepts.
- げっそり: Describes a sudden and significant loss of weight due to illness, worry, or shock, resulting in an emaciated appearance. Can also describe a feeling of deep disappointment. (やせ衰える、がっかりする)
- 希薄: Often used to describe something that is not dense, weak in concentration, or lacking in presence (e.g., air, interest, emotion). Can refer to physical substances or abstract concepts.
- げっそり: Describes a sudden and significant loss of weight due to illness, worry, or shock, resulting in an emaciated appearance. Can also describe a feeling of deep disappointment. (やせ衰える、がっかりする)
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