Translation guide
The English adverb 'thinly' describes doing something in a thin manner, such as slicing, spreading, or being thinly populated. Japanese uses various adverbs and verb forms depending on the context.
To cut or slice something into thin slices or pieces.
The adverbial form of 薄い (thin), used with verbs like 切る (cut) or スライスする (slice). This is the most common way to say 'thinly' in cooking contexts.
Please slice the meat thinly.
Slice the onion thinly.
Means 'finely' or 'into small pieces', often used for chopping or mincing. Can overlap with 'thinly' when the result is small thin pieces.
Chop the carrot finely.
To spread or apply something (like butter, paint) in a thin layer.
Again the adverbial form of 薄い, used with verbs like 塗る (spread/paint) or 伸ばす (spread out).
Spread butter thinly on the bread.
Please apply the paint thinly.
Describing a place with few people or things spread out.
Means 'sparsely' or 'thinly' in the sense of being scattered. Used for population, vegetation, etc.
This area is thinly populated.
Trees are growing thinly/sparsely.
Can also be used in some contexts, but まばらに is more natural for population distribution.
Clouds are spread thinly.
Something (like a disguise, excuse, or threat) that is barely concealed.
His excuse is thinly veiled/flimsy.