Translation guide
How to express gaining weight in Japanese, from neutral statements to casual and formal expressions.
To state that someone has gained weight, in a neutral or factual way.
Neutral and common way to say body weight increases. Suitable for general statements.
最近、体重が増えた。
I've gained weight recently.
I'm gaining weight due to lack of exercise.
Common verb meaning 'to get fat/gain weight'. Slightly more direct than 体重が増える, but still widely used in casual conversation.
食べすぎて太った。
I ate too much and gained weight.
このままだと太りそう。
At this rate, I might gain weight.
More formal or written expression, often used in medical or technical contexts.
患者の体重が増加している。
The patient's weight is increasing.
To express intentionally gaining weight, e.g., for health or sports.
Transitive form, meaning to intentionally increase body weight.
筋肉をつけるために体重を増やしている。
I'm gaining weight to build muscle.
Causative form of 太る, meaning to make someone/something gain weight. Can be used for oneself in a deliberate sense.
もっと太らせたい。
I want to gain more weight.
Casual or colloquial ways to say someone has gained weight.
Casual contraction of 太ってしまった, implying 'I ended up gaining weight' with a nuance of regret or unintended result.
最近太っちゃった。
I've put on weight lately.
Describes a pleasantly plump or chubby appearance, often used for people or animals. Not necessarily negative.
彼女はぽっちゃりしてきた。
She's gotten a bit chubby.
Slang verb from デブ (fatty), meaning 'to get fat'. Can be self-deprecating or insulting; use with caution.
Can be offensive. Only use in very informal settings with close friends.
またデブった。
I got fat again.
Polite or formal expressions for gaining weight, suitable for professional or respectful contexts.
Polite form of 体重が増える. Safe for most formal situations.
健康診断で体重が増えました。
I gained weight at my health checkup.
Polite form of 太る. Slightly direct but acceptable in polite conversation.
お正月で太りました。
I gained weight over the New Year holidays.
While 太る is common, it directly means 'get fat' and can sound blunt. In sensitive situations, prefer 体重が増える or soften with ～ちゃった.
ちょっと太った？
Did you gain a little weight?
体重が増える is intransitive (weight increases by itself), while 体重を増やす is transitive (someone intentionally increases weight). Use the latter when describing deliberate weight gain.
5キロ太った。
I've gained 5 kilograms.
彼女はスポーツをやめてから体重が増えた。
She gained weight after quitting sports.