Translation and Meaning of: 安い - yasui

The Japanese word 「安い」 (yasui) is an adjective that means "cheap" or "affordable" in English. This term is widely used in everyday life in Japan to describe products, services, or even places that have a low financial cost. The expression plays an important role in commerce and business, serving as an attraction for consumers looking to save money or find good deals.

Etymologically, 「安い」 is composed of the kanji 「安」 which conveys the idea of "tranquility," "calm," or "safety." This kanji is often associated with terms that evoke feelings of serenity or stability, and in this context, it reflects the trust and satisfaction that a good bargain can provide. Furthermore, the radical used in the kanji 「安」 also appears in other words, such as 「安全」 (anzen), which means "safety." This connotation of safety in a good deal may be what connects the idea of affordable prices to the financial tranquility of the buyer.

The origin of this expression dates back to ancient times in Japan, where simplicity and practicality were highly valued, principles that continue to influence the way Japanese people conduct business today. The concept of offering products at affordable prices as a way to attract customers is old and reflects a culture of negotiation based on mutual trust and reputation, something that can still be observed in Japanese markets and bazaars.

In contemporary use, 「安い」 is an important word in the vocabulary of any Japanese student. With grammatical variations, it can be used in different contexts, such as in 「安くする」 (yasuku suru) which means "to make cheaper" or "to reduce the price," and 「安くて良い」 (yasukute yoi), which means "good and cheap." These expressions demonstrate the flexibility and frequency with which this word can be adapted for different situations in the Japanese language.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

安価 (anka) - Low price, affordable.
手頃 (tegoro) - Practically accessible and reasonably priced.
リーズナブル (rizunaburu) - Reasonable in price and quality.
低価格 (teikakaku) - Low price compared to the market standard.
安値 (yasu-ne) - Low price, often used for specific products.
安っぽい (yasuppoi) - Of cheap appearance, low aesthetic value.
安物 (yasumono) - Low-cost items, usually of inferior quality.
安易 (an'i) - Easy and simple, often associated with low-cost solutions.
安っぽく見える (y suppoi kuu) - Seem cheap in appearance.
安っぽいもの (y suppoi mono) - Things that seem cheap.
安っぽい感じ (y suppoi kanji) - Feeling cheap or of inferior quality.
安っぽい雰囲気 (y suppoi fun'iki) - An environment that conveys a feeling of inferiority or cheapness.
安っぽい印象 (y suppoi inshou) - Overall impression of being cheap.
安っぽいデザイン (y suppoi dezain) - Design that appears to be low-cost.
安っぽい味 (y suppoi aji) - Flavor that seems cheap or of low quality.
安っぽい演出 (y suppoi enshutsu) - Presentation that seems inferior or low-cost.
安っぽいセット (y suppoi setto) - Set that appears to be low cost.
安っぽい衣装 (y suppoi ishou) - Costume or clothing that looks cheap.
安っぽいアクセサリー (y suppoi akusesarii) - Accessories that appear to be of low quality.
安っぽい雑貨 (y suppoi zakkaku) - Various low-quality products.
安っぽいグッズ (y suppoi guzzu) - Articles that seem cheap.
安っぽいお土産 (y suppoi omiyage) - Souvenirs that have a low appearance or value.
安っぽい食べ物 (y suppoi tabemono) - Food that is perceived as cheap or of inferior quality.