安い
yasui[ja̠sɨi]
yasui is the Japanese word for cheap or inexpensive.
安い is used to describe something that has a low price or is inexpensive. Much like the English word 'cheap', it can sometimes carry a nuance of 'low quality' depending on the context.
Which one should you use?
While 安い is the standard adjective, 安価な is a more formal, noun-based way to describe something as low-priced, which is often used in business or technical contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective 安い can be conjugated into several forms: 安くない is the negative form (is not cheap), 安かった is the past tense (was cheap) and 安ければ is the conditional form (if it is cheap).
How do you pronounce it?
yasui
Did you know?
- The kanji for 安い is the same one used to express 'peace' or 'safety', such as in the word 安心 (anshin, 'relief').
- In Japanese culture, calling a gift yasui can be seen as an insult to the giver, as it highlights the low cost rather than the gesture. It is more common to use phrases that emphasize the value or thoughtfulness instead.
- In Japanese, calling a person's character 安い (yasui) can be a heavy insult, implying they are 'cheap' or lack dignity.
Examples in context
- このりんごはとても安い。Kono ringo wa totemo yasui.This apple is very cheap.
- あの店は服が安いですね。Ano mise wa fuku ga yasui desu ne.Clothes are cheap at that shop, aren't they?
- もっと安いものはありませんか？Motto yasui mono wa arimasen ka?Is there anything cheaper?
Example conversation
Youta and Himari are shopping for clothes at a mall.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵、このシャツ安いよ。Himari, kono shatsu yasui yo.Himari, this shirt is cheap.
- 陽葵 Himari本当だ。デザインも可愛いね。Hontou da. Dezain mo kawaii ne.You're right. The design is cute too.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵のサイズはあるかな？Himari no saizu wa aru kana?I wonder if they have your size, Himari?
- 陽葵 Himari見て、あったよ！Mite, atta yo!Look, they have it!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 安い, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
