痩せる
yaseru[ja̠se̞ɾɯ̟]
The English phrase 'lose weight' can be translated into Japanese as 痩せる (yaseru) or 体重を減らす.
Meaning: to become less heavy or obese (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 痩せる | yaseru | [ja̠se̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 体重を減らす | taijū o herasu |
The term 痩せる is used to mean becoming thin or losing weight. Depending on the context, it can be used positively to mean looking fit or slim or negatively to mean looking sickly or emaciated. 体重を減らす is used specifically to describe the action of reducing one's body weight.
Which one should you use?
痩せる describes the state of becoming thin or the result of losing weight. In contrast, 体重を減らす focuses on the specific action of reducing one's body weight. Furthermore, 体重を減らす is a more clinical or objective way to say 'lose weight' compared to the more common and descriptive 痩せる.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past tense form 痩せた is frequently used to describe someone who has already lost weight and appears thinner now.
How do you pronounce it?
yaseru
Did you know?
- The word 痩せる is also used for soil. When land is described as 痩せている, it means the soil is poor or infertile, lacking the nutrients needed for plants to grow.
- While 痩せる means 'to lose weight', the phrase 痩せ我慢 describes someone who pretends they are not in pain or struggling. It literally translates to 'thin patience', implying a fragile but stubborn endurance.
- When discussing weight loss goals, Japanese people often use the word ダイエット from the English 'diet'. However, while 'diet' in English can mean a restriction of food, in Japanese it almost always means the active process of trying to lose weight.
Examples in context
- 体重を減らすのは簡単じゃないよ。It isn't easy to lose weight.This sentence is useful for noting the difficulty of using 体重を減らす.Tatoeba #9183369 by small_snow, translation #9183363 by CK
- 体重を減らす一番いい方法は何だと思う？What do you think the best way to lose weight is?This sentence is useful for asking about the best method for 体重を減らす.Tatoeba #12359804 by bunbuku, translation #4132853 by CK
- 痩せる必要がないというのは残念だ。It's too bad that I don't need to lose weight.This sentence shows the use of 痩せる regarding the necessity of losing weight.Tatoeba #4846 by mookeee, translation #1428 by Zifre
- 私は少し減量する必要があります。I need to lose some weight.
- 最近、痩せたいと思ってる。Lately, I've been thinking that I want to lose weight.
- 週末からダイエットしようと思っている。I'm thinking of going on a diet starting from this weekend.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their health goals.
- 結衣 Yui最近、少し痩せたいと思っているの。Saikin, sukoshi yasetai to omotte iru no.I've been thinking that I want to lose some weight lately.
- 蓮 Ren結衣は今でも十分細いと思うよ。Yui wa ima demo juubun hosoi to omou yo.I think you are slim enough as you are, Yui.
- 結衣 Yuiでも、健康のために痩せるつもりなんだ。Demo, kenkou no tame ni yaseru tsumori nanda.But, I intend to lose weight for my health.
- 蓮 Renそれなら、一緒にジョギングをしようか。Sore nara, issho ni jogingu o shiyou ka.In that case, shall we go jogging together?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lose weight” translations and entries 痩せる, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
