Translation guide
Describes something oily, fatty, or slick, often with a negative connotation. Covers food, skin, hair, surfaces, and metaphorical uses.
Describing food that has too much oil or fat, often unpleasantly so.
Most common for greasy food. Implies heaviness and oiliness.
このピザは脂っこい。
This pizza is greasy.
Similar to 脂っこい, but can be used for both food and non-food items.
この料理は油っぽくて食べられない。
This dish is too greasy to eat.
Onomatopoeic word for something excessively greasy or oily, often with a negative feel.
ラーメンがギトギトだ。
The ramen is super greasy.
Describing skin or hair that produces too much oil, looking shiny or feeling slick.
Noun or na-adjective meaning oily skin type. Often used in skincare contexts.
私は脂性肌です。
I have greasy skin.
Loanword from English, commonly used in cosmetics and beauty contexts.
オイリー肌用の化粧水
toner for greasy skin
Verb meaning to feel sticky or greasy, often used for skin or hair.
Describing a surface, tool, or object covered with grease or oil, making it slick.
Describing a person or manner that is excessively flattering or slick in a negative way.
Idiom meaning to flatter or butter up, similar to 'greasy' behavior.
彼は上司に胡麻をすっている。
He's being greasy to the boss.
Adjective meaning unpleasant, sleazy, or greasy in character.
脂っこい is more common for food and implies a heavy, fatty quality. 油っぽい can be used for both food and non-food items, and is slightly less intense.
Saying 肌が脂っこい (skin is greasy like food) sounds odd. Use 脂性肌 or オイリー肌 for skin type, or べたつく for the sensation.
夏は肌がべたつく。
My skin gets greasy in summer.
この皿はぬるぬるしている。
This plate is greasy.
彼の笑い方がいやらしい。
His smile is greasy.