Translation guide
How to refer to a fat person in Japanese, ranging from neutral descriptions to slang and euphemisms. The most common and safest term is 太った人 (futotta hito). Direct translations like 太い人 (futoi hito) are unnatural. Be aware that many terms carry negative connotations, and Japanese often avoids direct physical descriptions.
Describing someone as fat in a neutral, factual way without strong negative connotations.
Literally 'a person who has gotten fat'. This is the most common and neutral way to say 'fat person'. It uses the verb 太る (to get fat) in the past tense modifying 人 (person).
あの太った人は誰ですか。
Who is that fat person?
A fat person got on the train.
Literally 'a person who is fat'. Uses the progressive form of 太る, emphasizing the current state. Slightly more descriptive than 太った人.
彼は太っている人です。
He is a fat person.
Means 'obese person'. More clinical and formal, often used in medical contexts. Can sound harsh in casual conversation.
肥満の人は健康に注意が必要です。
Obese people need to be careful about their health.
Referring to a fat person indirectly or politely, often used to avoid sounding rude.
Means 'chubby person'. A softer, often affectionate term. Commonly used for babies, children, or in a cute way. Can be used for adults but may still be considered condescending by some.
彼女はぽっちゃりした人です。
She is a chubby person.
Means 'plump person'. A more elegant and positive term, often used to describe someone with a full figure. Common in literature and polite speech.
ふくよかな女性が店に入ってきた。
A plump woman entered the store.
Means 'large-built person'. Focuses on overall body frame rather than fatness. Can be a polite way to refer to someone big without directly mentioning weight.
彼は大柄な人で、力が強い。
He is a large-built person and is strong.
Informal, often rude terms for a fat person. Use with caution as they can be highly offensive.
A common slang term for 'fatty' or 'fatso'. Can be used jokingly among close friends but is generally derogatory. Often used as a noun or prefix.
Highly offensive if used with strangers or in formal settings.
あのデブ、また食べてるよ。
That fatty is eating again.
Hiragana version of デブ, same meaning and usage.
彼はでぶだけど、優しい。
He's a fatty but kind.
Literally 'pig'. Used as a strong insult for a fat person. Extremely offensive.
Very insulting; avoid unless you intend to be extremely rude.
このブタが！
You pig!
Terms used in healthcare or scientific contexts to describe obesity.
Means 'obese person'. A formal, clinical term used in medical reports or health discussions.
肥満者の割合が増加している。
The proportion of obese people is increasing.
Means 'person with an obese body type'. Slightly less direct than 肥満者, used in health and fitness contexts.
肥満体型の人は運動を始めるべきだ。
People with an obese body type should start exercising.
Do not use 太い人 (futoi hito). 太い means 'thick' and is used for objects like ropes or trees, not for describing a person's body fat. Use 太った人 instead.
太い人
thick person (unnatural)
Japanese culture often avoids direct comments about physical appearance, especially negative ones. Even neutral terms like 太った人 can be considered rude if used directly to someone's face. It's safer to avoid the topic or use very indirect language.