i-adjective
thin; not thick
Used for physical thickness, especially flat objects such as paper, cloth, boards, walls, or layers.
この紙は薄くて、すぐ破れそうだ。
This paper is thin and looks like it will tear easily.
薄い板を何枚も重ねた。
I stacked many thin boards on top of one another.
i-adjective
Describes color, light, marks, shadows, or similar visual impressions that are low in intensity.
彼女は薄いピンクのシャツを着ていた。
She was wearing a pale pink shirt.
壁に薄い影が映っている。
A faint shadow is showing on the wall.
i-adjective
Used when a liquid, drink, sauce, or mixture has too much water or too little concentration.
氷が溶けて、ジュースが薄くなった。
The ice melted, and the juice became diluted.
このソースは少し薄い。
This sauce is a little thin.
i-adjective
Covers low intensity in taste, feeling, interest, affection, or presence. Common collocations include 味が薄い, 関心が薄い, and 影が薄い.
この料理は味が薄い。
This dish has a weak taste.
彼は会議ではいつも影が薄い。
He always has little presence in meetings.
その問題に対する関心はまだ薄い。
Interest in that issue is still weak.
i-adjective
Used for a low chance, possibility, likelihood, or expectation; especially common with 可能性 and 見込み.
今から逆転できる可能性は薄い。
The possibility of turning things around now is slim.
彼が今日中に戻る見込みは薄い。
There is little chance that he will return by the end of today.
i-adjective
Used when hair, fur, growth, or similar coverage is not dense. Context is important because 薄い can also mean pale in color.
父は最近、髪が薄くなってきた。
My father's hair has been getting thinner recently.
この犬はお腹の毛が薄い。
This dog has sparse fur on its belly.