Translation guide
The English word "weight" covers several distinct concepts: physical heaviness, heavy objects, emotional burden, importance, and influence. Japanese uses different words and expressions for each.
The measurable heaviness of an object or person.
The most common and general word for physical weight. Used for objects, people, and abstract heaviness.
この荷物の重さはどれくらいですか？
How much does this luggage weigh?
to weigh oneself
More formal or technical term for weight, often used in specifications, shipping, or scientific contexts.
The maximum load weight is 500 kg.
Specifically body weight (of a person or animal).
I've gained weight recently.
A physical object that is heavy, especially one used for exercise or measurement.
A feeling of being weighed down by worry, responsibility, or stress.
Literally 'heavy load', used metaphorically for a burden or something that weighs on one's mind.
The responsibility feels like a weight on my shoulders.
Loanword from English, commonly used for psychological pressure or stress.
Specifically a mental or emotional burden.
Keeping a secret is a weight on my mind.
The significance, authority, or persuasive power of a person, idea, or evidence.
Abstract weight in the sense of importance, seriousness, or authority. Often used for words, opinions, or presence.
His words carry weight.
This evidence will carry weight in the trial.
General word for importance or significance. More formal and direct than 重み.
Influence or clout, especially in social or political contexts.
A category of body weight in competitive sports.
The common phrase 'lose weight' is not translated using 重さ or 体重 directly. Use 痩せる (やせる) for 'to lose weight' or 体重が減る (たいじゅうがへる) for 'body weight decreases'.
I want to lose weight.
重さ (omosa) is objective, measurable weight. 重み (omomi) is subjective, metaphorical weight (importance, dignity). Use 重さ for physical heaviness and 重み for abstract significance.
The weight of the snow caused the roof to collapse.
Here 重み is used for the physical heaviness causing an effect, which can also be expressed as 重さ.
She felt the weight of expectation.
重圧 (juuatsu) means intense pressure, suitable for strong emotional weight.
天秤に分銅を載せる。
Place a weight on the balance.
試合前のプレッシャーに負けた。
I succumbed to the weight of pressure before the match.
Please understand the weight of this issue.
He carries a lot of weight in political circles.