Translation and Meaning of: 重たい - omotai

The Japanese word 重たい (おもたい) carries a meaning that goes beyond physical weight, diving into emotional and situational nuances. In this article, we will explore its everyday usage, the kanji writing, and how it differs from similar terms. Whether you are learning Japanese or just curious about unique expressions, understanding 重たい can enrich your vocabulary and cultural perception.

In addition to uncovering the translation and origin, let's analyze how this word is perceived in Japan, from informal conversations to deeper contexts. Suki Nihongo, your favorite Japanese dictionary, has gathered everything you need to know to master 重たい without complications.

Meaning and translation of 重たい

重たい, read as "omotai", is an adjective that describes something heavy, whether literally or figuratively. While the most direct translation is "heavy", it can also convey a sense of oppression, slowness, or even emotional discomfort. For example, a suitcase full of books can be 重たい, just like a tense atmosphere in a meeting.

Unlike 重い (omoi), which also means "heavy," 重たい carries a more subjective and personal connotation. It's as if the speaker is expressing not just a fact, but an intimate experience with what they describe. This subtlety is part of the expressive richness of the Japanese language.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 重, which makes up the word, originates from the pictorial representation of stacked layers, suggesting the idea of weight and accumulation. Its radical is 里 (village), but its current composition more reflects the notion of something dense or difficult to move. The version with hiragana たい (重たい) emerged as a colloquial variation of 重い, gaining traction in spoken language.

It is worth noting that 重たい is not an archaic term, but it is also not the most formal one. It frequently appears in everyday dialogues, especially when someone wants to emphasize the physical or emotional feeling of weight. In more formal written texts, 重い is still the predominant choice.

Cultural usage and memorization tips

In Japan, 重たい is often used to describe situations that go beyond the physical. A movie with a dense theme can be called 重たい, as well as a responsibility that feels overwhelming. This semantic flexibility makes the word useful in various contexts, from casual conversations to deeper discussions.

To memorize 重たい, one tip is to associate the kanji 重 with something that literally "weighs" on you. Imagine yourself carrying an extremely heavy suitcase (重たい荷物) or feeling the weight of a difficult decision. This mental connection between the symbol and the sensation can help anchor the meaning in a more intuitive way.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 重い (omoi) - Heavy; dense.
• 重苦しい (omokurushii) - Heavy; oppressive, with a feeling of discomfort.
• 重々しい (omojomashii) - Heavy; solemn, with a sense of gravity.
• 重っ苦しい (omokkurushii) - Heavy; similar to "重苦しい", but used in a more colloquial way to describe situations or environments that are particularly heavy or uncomfortable.

重たい

Romaji: omotai
Kana: おもたい
Type: Adjective
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: heavy; massive; serious; important; severe; oppressed

Meaning in English: heavy;massive;serious;important;severe;oppressed

Definition: Feeling that things are very heavy, like baggage or physical strength.

Example Sentences - (重たい) omotai

See below some example sentences:

この荷物は重たいです。

Kono nimotsu wa omotai desu

This bag is heavy.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 荷物 - noun meaning "luggage"
• は - topic particle indicating that "this luggage" is the subject of the sentence
• 重たい - adjective meaning "heavy"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form