253
薄
Thin, Dilute, Faint
うす.い, うす.まる, うす.める
JLPT N2
Interesting Fact
Japanese people often describe light tea or weak coffee as 薄い. The kanji also describes thin objects, pale colors, and weak concentrations.
Memory Trick
Imagine adding too much water to juice until the flavor becomes weak and thin. That diluted drink helps you remember 薄 means 'thin' or 'dilute.'
Readings
Onyomi: ハク (haku)
Kunyomi: うす.い, うす.まる, うす.める
Example Words
薄い
うすい (usui)
Thin, Light
薄着
うすぎ (usugi)
Light clothing
薄める
うすめる (usumeru)
To dilute
希薄
きはく (kihaku)
Dilute, Thin
Example Sentence
この スープ は 少し 薄いです。
この スープ は すこし うすいです。
kono suupu wa sukoshi usui desu
This soup is a little bland.