Translation guide
The English word 'lean' has several distinct meanings: to incline or tilt, to rely on someone or something, to have a slim body, and to describe meat with little fat. This guide organizes Japanese expressions by these practical meanings.
To move the body or an object into a sloping position, or to be in such a position.
Intransitive verb meaning to lean, tilt, or incline. Used for objects or bodies that are not upright.
The tower is leaning a little.
He leaned against the wall, tired.
Transitive verb meaning to tilt or lean something. Use when you actively cause something to incline.
She tilted her head and thought.
Please don't lean your chair back.
To lean against something for support, often with the body. Implies resting weight on something.
He was standing leaning against the wall.
To lean on or against something, often in a relaxed or lazy manner. Can also be used figuratively.
I leaned back on the sofa and watched TV.
To lean forward, often with interest or eagerness. Literally 'to push one's body out'.
He leaned forward, interested in the story.
To depend on someone or something for support, help, or guidance.
To rely on, depend on, or turn to someone/something. Very common and natural.
You can lean on your friends when you're in trouble.
He always leans on his parents too much.
To depend on, often with a nuance of reliance that may be excessive or unhealthy. More formal than 頼る.
He leans on alcohol.
To cling to or lean on desperately, often emotionally. Implies a strong need.
Having a body with little fat; slender.
The most common way to say someone is thin or slim. Can be neutral or slightly negative depending on context.
He is tall and lean.
Loanword from English 'slim'. Often has a positive, stylish connotation.
Literally 'slender body'. Describes a lean build, often used for clothing sizes or body type.
Describes a toned, firm, lean body (not just thin, but with muscle definition).
He has a lean, toned body.
Describing meat that contains little fat.
傾く (かたむく) is intransitive: 'The tower leans.' 傾ける (かたむける) is transitive: 'I lean the ladder.' Make sure to use the correct one based on whether there is a direct object.
The house leaned due to the earthquake.
He leaned his body forward.
痩せている (やせている) means 'thin' for people/animals, not for meat. For lean meat, use 赤身 (あかみ) or 脂肪が少ない (しぼうがすくない).
She leaned on his arm and cried.
She has a lean figure.
I want lean-fit jeans.