Translation guide
The English word 'slim' describes a slender, thin, or narrow body, object, or chance. In Japanese, the most natural translation depends on what is being described and the nuance you want to convey.
To say someone has a slim, slender, or lean physique, often with a positive or neutral connotation.
A loanword from English, commonly used for a slim, stylish figure. Often used in fashion and everyday conversation.
彼女はとてもスリムだ。
She is very slim.
Means 'thin' or 'slender'. Can be used for body parts or overall physique. Neutral, but can imply 'skinny' if context is negative.
彼は手足が細い。
He has slim arms and legs.
Another loanword, often used for a tall, slender, elegant figure, especially for women.
スレンダーな体型に憧れる。
I admire a slender figure.
Means 'is thin/slim'. Can be neutral or slightly negative depending on context. Often used to describe being slim as a result of diet or health.
彼は最近痩せて、スリムになった。
He lost weight recently and became slim.
To say something like a book, phone, or device is slim in the sense of being thin or compact.
Means 'thin' in terms of thickness. Used for flat objects like books, phones, or slices.
このスマホはとても薄い。
This smartphone is very slim.
Also used for objects, especially in marketing, to emphasize a sleek, compact design.
Used for long, thin objects like pens, sticks, or lines. Not typically for flat objects.
To say a possibility or difference is very small, as in 'slim chance' or 'slim margin'.
Literally 'possibility is low'. The most natural way to express a slim chance.
成功する可能性は低い。
The chances of success are slim.
Means 'a slight possibility'. More literary or formal.
わずかな可能性に賭ける。
Bet on a slim chance.
Literally 'hope is thin'. A common idiomatic expression for slim hopes.
回復の望みは薄い。
There is a slim hope of recovery.
To express the action of becoming slimmer, often through diet or exercise.
The basic verb for 'lose weight' or 'become slim'.
夏までに痩せたい。
I want to slim down by summer.
Literally 'become slim'. A natural phrase using the loanword.
運動してスリムになった。
I exercised and slimmed down.
Means 'drop weight'. A common, slightly more formal way to say lose weight.
体重を落とすためにジムに通っている。
I go to the gym to slim down.
スリム is a positive, fashionable term often used in marketing. 細い is neutral and can describe any thinness, but may sound too skinny if used negatively. 痩せている simply states the fact of being thin, and can imply health concerns if context suggests.
彼女はスリムでスタイルがいい。
She is slim and has a good figure.
彼は細いけど、筋肉質だ。
He is slim but muscular.
病気で痩せてしまった。
He became thin due to illness.
Do not use スリムな可能性. It sounds unnatural. Use 可能性が低い or わずかな可能性 instead.
I'm looking for a slim-design wallet.
I like slim pens.