Translation guide
Describes a person with a large, heavy, or fleshy body, often in a formal or literary way. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is 太っている (futotte iru), but more specific words exist for different nuances.
To describe someone as fat or overweight in a neutral, everyday way.
The most common and neutral way to say someone is fat or overweight. It's a state description using the verb 太る (to gain weight).
彼は少し太っている。
He is a little overweight.
太っている猫が好きです。
I like fat cats.
A more clinical or formal term for obesity. Often used in medical contexts or to describe a societal issue.
肥満は健康に悪い。
Obesity is bad for your health.
A blunt, often derogatory term for a fat person. Can be used jokingly among close friends but is generally rude.
Can be very offensive. Avoid using unless you are very close to the person and the context is clearly playful.
あいつはでぶだ。
That guy is a fatso.
To describe someone as corpulent in a more formal, literary, or euphemistic way, emphasizing bulk or fleshiness.
A formal term for a corpulent body type. Often used in written descriptions or medical reports.
彼は肥満体で、動くのが遅い。
He has a corpulent body and moves slowly.
An adverb or する-verb describing a stout, portly build, often with a connotation of prosperity. Can be used for people or animals.
Literally 'well-fleshed', a euphemistic way to describe someone as plump or corpulent, often used in literature or polite speech.
肉付きの良い女性が描かれている。
A corpulent woman is depicted.
To describe a man as stout, stocky, or heavily built, sometimes with a nuance of strength.
Describes a sturdy, thick-set build. Not necessarily fat, but solid and strong-looking. Often positive.
がっしりした体格の男性。
A man with a stout build.
Describes a short and stout or dumpy figure. Can be slightly negative or comical.
ずんぐりした中年男性。
A stout middle-aged man.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches the formal, literary tone of 'corpulent' in all contexts. The closest equivalents are often compound words or phrases. Using 太っている is safe and natural in most everyday situations.
彼は太っている。
He is fat/corpulent.
太っている is the neutral, descriptive term. 肥満 is clinical and formal. でぶ is slang and can be very rude. Choose based on context and relationship.
A portly gentleman came in.