Translation and Meaning of: 細い - hosoi
The Japanese word 「細い」 (hosoi) is used to describe something thin or slender. This word is often employed in contexts that describe objects or body parts with reduced thickness. In Japan, it can be used to highlight physical aspects or describe characteristics of objects, such as a pencil or a strand of hair, always conveying an idea of delicacy and subtlety.
Etymologically, the word 「細い」 is composed of two main elements: the kanji 「細」 which carries meanings of "thin," "delicate," or "narrow," and the suffix "い" which transforms the word into an i-adjective, a common form used to describe intrinsic qualities in Japanese. This kanji has the radical 糸 (ito), which refers to "thread," and is commonly associated with long and thin things, reinforcing the idea of something slim and stretched.
The origin of the use of 「細い」 can be traced back to earlier times in Japan, where there was a great appreciation for delicate and refined characteristics, associated not only with aesthetics but also with nature and art. This appreciation can be observed in various aspects of Japanese culture, such as in the design of clothing, decoration, or even in cuisine, where the visual presentation often seeks balance and harmony through slender and elegant forms.
Variations and derived forms of 「細い」 include 「細くなる」 (hosoku naru), which implies becoming thinner or slimmer, and 「細さ」 (hososa), which refers to the quality or state of being thin. These variations broaden the usage of the word, allowing for expressions of changes in state or emphasizing delicacy in a more abstract and universal manner. With such a rich range of meanings, the term 「細い」 demonstrates how the Japanese language can be both concise and poetic, capturing nuances through small alterations in word forms.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 細身 (Hosomi) - Slim body
- 細っこい (Hosokkoi) - Slim and thin, a more colloquial way to say
- 細め (Hosome) - A little thin, a little slim
- 細い線 (Hosoi sen) - Thin line
- 細い道 (Hosoi michi) - Narrow path
- 細い木 (Hosoi ki) - Thin tree
- 細い髪 (Hosoi kami) - Fine hair
- 細い声 (Hosoi koe) - High voice
- 細い指 (Hosoi yubi) - Thin fingers
- 細い腕 (Hosoi ude) - Slim arm
- 細い足 (Hosoi ashi) - Thin legs
- 細い体 (Hosoi karada) - Slim body
- 細い糸 (Hosoi ito) - Fine wire
- 細い筆 (Hosoi fude) - </strong
Palavras relacionadas
Romaji: hosoi
Kana: ほそい
Type: adjective
L: jlpt-n5
Translation / Meaning: delgado; esbelto; fino
Meaning in English: thin;slender;fine
Definition: A thin object in width or thickness.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences
How to Write in Japanese - (細い) hosoi
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (細い) hosoi:
Example Sentences - (細い) hosoi
See below some example sentences:
Kono hosoi sen wo egaku no wa muzukashii desu
Drawing that fine line is difficult.
It's hard to draw that fine line.
- この - indicates that what follows refers to something close to the speaker, in this case, "this"
- 細い - adjective that means "thin" or "narrow"
- 線 - noun that means "line"
- を - particle that indicates the direct object of the action, in this case, "the line"
- 描く - verb that means "to draw" or "to paint"
- のは - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "draw the fine line"
- 難しい - adjective meaning "difficult"
- です - verb "to be" in the present, indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and is a polite statement
Other Words of this Type: adjective
See other words from our dictionary that are also: adjective
