Meaning

Primary

Thin

Alternative

Slender

Word Type

い adjective

Explanation

This is a single kanji with an い on the end, meaning you know it's probably an adjective. What's the adjective form of thin? It's also thin, though it can be slender as well.

細い is used for linear or cylindrical things, like 細い糸 (thin thread) or 細い指 (slender fingers). It also appears in expressions where something is figuratively "thin," like 食が細い (having a small appetite) and 声が細い (having a faint voice).

Reading

ほそい
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

You know what else is thin and slender? A garden hose (ほそ). Imagine trickling a thin stream of water over some plants with your slender garden hose, all while admiring how slim and svelte it is.

Context

Context Sentences

もう少し細いペンはありますか?

Do you have a pen that is a little finer?

この糸はちょっと細すぎますね。

I think this thread is a bit too thin.

ピアニストみたいに細くて長い指だね。

Your fingers are slender and long like a pianist's.

Kanji Composition