Guide: How to Say “Thick” in Japanese

Learning how to express the word “thick” in Japanese is essential when exploring the vast world of the Japanese language. Although there isn’t a direct translation of the word, there are various ways to convey the concept of thickness. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to say “thick” in Japanese, offering valuable tips, examples, and regional variations if necessary.

Formal Ways to Say “Thick”

When speaking formally or in situations that require a higher level of politeness, consider using the following words to describe thickness:

1. Atsui (厚い): This term primarily refers to physical thickness, such as the thickness of an object, a book, or a wall. It can also describe a person with a sturdy build. For example:
   
   

   この本はとても厚いです。
   (Kono hon wa totemo atsui desu.)
   This book is very thick.

2. Koi (濃い): While “koi” primarily means “concentrated” or “dense,” it can also describe a thickness in color or flavor. For instance:
   
   

   このソースは濃いですね。
   (Kono soosu wa koi desu ne.)
   This sauce is thick, isn’t it?

3. Futoi (太い): Typically used to describe something thick in terms of width or circumference, “futoi” is often used for objects like tree trunks or ropes. For example:
   
   

   このロープは太いですね。
   (Kono roopu wa futoi desu ne.)
   This rope is thick, isn’t it?

Informal Ways to Say “Thick”

In casual conversations or when speaking to close friends, you can use these informal expressions to describe thickness:

1. Atsu (厚さ): Similar to “atsui,” but used in a less formal setting, “atsu” carries the same meaning of physical thickness. For example:
   
   

   このパンの厚さはすごいよ。
   (Kono pan no atsu wa sugoi yo.)
   The thickness of this bread is impressive.

2. Gusuto (ぐすっと): This informal word is used to describe something thick or dense in a figurative sense. It implies a deep emotional or atmospheric thickness. For instance:
   
   

   今日は空気がぐすっとしている。
   (Kyou wa kuuki ga gusutto shiteiru.)
   The atmosphere is thick today.

Regional Variations

While Japanese is spoken throughout Japan, there are slight regional variations in vocabulary. Here are a few variations in how to express “thick” across different regions:

• Osaka Dialect: In the Osaka dialect, people often use the word “maiku” (マイク) instead of the standard “atsu” to describe thickness. For example:
  
  

  このケーキの層はすごいマイクだね。
  (Kono keeki no sou wa sugoi maiku da ne.)
  The layers of this cake are incredibly thick, right?

• Hiroshima Dialect: In Hiroshima, “ombee” (おんべえ) is used to describe something thick, especially in reference to food. For instance:
  
  

  このラーメンの麺はおんべえだ。
  (Kono raamen no men wa onbee da.)
  The noodles in this ramen are thick and chewy.

Keep in mind that while these regional variations can add color and diversity to your understanding of the Japanese language, they are not essential for everyday communication.

Learning how to say “thick” in Japanese opens up a world of possibilities for expressing the concept of thickness in various contexts. Remember to adapt your choice of words depending on the formality of the situation and your relationship with the listener. Practice using these expressions with native speakers or language exchange partners to enhance your fluency. Enjoy your language journey and explore the richness of the Japanese culture!