Translation and Meaning of: 重い - omoi

The Japanese word 重い (おもい, omoi) is an essential term for anyone learning the language. Its main meaning is "heavy," but it also carries interesting nuances that reflect cultural and linguistic aspects of Japan. In this article, we will explore everything from the basics, such as its translation and writing, to details about its everyday use and curiosities that help you memorize it. If you want to understand how Japanese people express physical and emotional weight, this guide from Suki Nihongo will help you.

Meaning and translation of 重い

重い is a Japanese adjective that describes something with considerable physical weight, like a suitcase or a large object. However, its use goes beyond the literal sense. In emotional contexts, it can express "heavy" feelings, such as sadness or worry. For example, 気分が重い (きぶんがおもい) means "to feel down".

Compared to other similar , 重い has a more negative connotation when used metaphorically. While 軽い (かるい, karui) indicates physical lightness and carefree-ness, 重い often conveys the idea of something difficult to bear. This duality makes the word frequently used in everyday conversations and even in song lyrics.

Origin and writing of the kanji 重い

The kanji 重 is composed of elements that suggest the idea of "layers" or "accumulation," reinforcing the concept of weight. According to the Kangorin dictionary, its radical is 里 (village), but its ancient structure represented a man carrying a burden on his back. This image helps to understand why the character evolved into its current form.

In writing, it is important to note that 重い can be confused with similar kanji, such as 動 (movement). A tip for memorizing is to associate its horizontal lines with something being "pressed down." Students often practice it in words like 重要 (じゅうよう, important) and 体重 (たいじゅう, body weight).

How to use 重い in everyday life

In Japan, 重い appears in practical situations, such as when complaining about the heat: 今日は空気が重い (きょうはくうきがおもい, "the air is heavy today"). It is also common in warnings, such as このドアは重いです (this door is heavy), alerting about objects that are difficult to move. In offices, one might hear phrases like 仕事が重い (しごとがおもい) to describe tiring tasks.

Culturally, the Japanese tend to use 重い with caution in emotional contexts, as it can sound dramatic. Instead of directly saying that a topic is "heavy," many choose to use indirect expressions. This sensitivity reflects the importance of tact in Japanese communication, something that students should be mindful of when practicing the language.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 重たい (omotai) - Heavyweight; something that has a significant weight.
• 重苦しい (omokurushii) - Heavy and oppressive; often used to describe a dense atmosphere or a feeling of suffering.
• 重厚 (juukou) - Heavy and robust; a term that implies solidity and depth, often used in relation to texts or music.
• 重大 (juudai) - Serious; something of great importance, with serious implications.
• 重要 (juuyou) - Important; refers to something that has significant relevance.
• 重力 (juuryoku) - Gravity; the force that pulls objects toward the center of the Earth.
• 重圧 (juuatsu) - Heavy pressure; it can refer to physical or emotional pressure.
• 重荷 (omoni) - Heavy load; something that is physically heavy or symbolically difficult to bear.
• 重量 (juuryou) - Weight; a measure of the mass of an object.
• 重ねる (kasaneru) - Overlay; to place something on top of another thing.
• 重ねがえる (kasanegaeru) - Overlap; it can refer to changing the position of overlapping layers.
• 重ね合わせる (kasanawaseru) - Overlay; to place two or more things in layers on top of each other.
• 重ね着 (kasanegi) - Layering clothes; wearing multiple pieces of clothing at the same time.
• 重ね重ね (kasanekasane) - Repeatedly; the idea of overlap in acts or events.
• 重ね袖 (kasanesode) - Overlapping manga; it may refer to a style or technique of clothing.
• 重ね葉 (kasaneba) - Overlapping leaves; it can refer to the state of layered leaves.
• 重ね鍋 (kasanenabe) - Stacked pots; a cooking technique using stacked pans.
• 重ね駄 (kasaneda) - Layered game; refers to games that involve the overlapping of elements.
• 重ね鶴 (kasanetsuru) - Stacked stork; it can refer to origami or a concept of overlapping in arts.
• 重ね鰹 (kasanekatsu) - Bonito overlay; it can refer to a culinary technique or presentation.
• 重ね鰤 (kasaneburi) - Stacked cetacean; a plating technique, especially in sashimi.
• 重ね鮪 (kasanetuna) - Stacked dish; it can refer to several layers of culinary preparation.
• 重ね鮭 (kasanesake) - Overlapping salmon; it may refer to layers of preparation in cooking.
• 重ね鯛 (kasane tai) - Stacked snapper; it can be a cooking technique with seafood.
• 重ね鯨 (kasanekujira) - Overlapping whale; it can refer to an artistic concept involving layers.
• 重ね鱈 (kasanedara) - Stacked Pollock; seafood dish preparation technique.
• 重ね鳥 (kasane tori) - Overlapping birds; it can refer to culinary techniques with different types of birds.
• 重ね鶏 (kasane niwa) - Certain overlap; a term that can describe preparation or presentation.