Translation guide
A derogatory term for an overweight person. In Japanese, direct insults are less common in daily speech; instead, descriptive terms or euphemisms are used, often with caution due to cultural sensitivity.
To insult or rudely refer to someone as fat
The most common direct equivalent, but still quite rude. Used among close friends jokingly or as an insult.
Can be very offensive; avoid using with strangers or in polite contexts.
あのデブ、また食べてるよ。
That fatso is eating again.
Hiragana version of デブ, same meaning and nuance.
Same offensiveness as デブ.
でぶって言わないで！
Don't call me a fatso!
A slightly milder, more childish term for a fat person. Can be used teasingly.
Still derogatory; not polite.
太っちょの猫がかわいい。
The fatso cat is cute.
A clinical term for an obese body type. Not directly an insult but can be used derogatorily in context.
彼は肥満体だ。
He has an obese body type.
To refer to someone's weight without strong insult, often in descriptive or euphemistic ways
The standard verb for 'is fat/overweight'. More descriptive than insulting, but still direct.
彼は少し太っている。
He is a bit overweight.
A euphemistic, somewhat cute way to say chubby or plump. Often used for babies, animals, or in a friendly manner.
その赤ちゃん、ぽっちゃりしていてかわいいね。
That baby is chubby and cute.
Medical/formal term for obesity. Not typically used in casual conversation.
Direct insults about weight are generally avoided in Japanese society. Even デブ can be very hurtful. It's safer to use descriptive phrases like 太っている or euphemisms like ぽっちゃり unless you are certain of the context and relationship.
体重が増えたみたい。
It looks like I've gained weight.
デブ is a noun and a direct insult, similar to 'fatso'. 太っている is a verb phrase meaning 'is fat' and is more descriptive. Use 太っている when you need to state the fact without the strong derogatory tone.
Obesity is bad for your health.