平たい
ひ
ら
た
い
平たい · i-adjective
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | 平たい | 平たくない |
| Polite | 平たいです | 平たくないですalso 平たくありません |
| Past polite | 平たかったです | 平たくなかったですalso 平たくありませんでした |
| Past | 平たかった | 平たくなかった |
| Te-form | 平たくて | 平たくなくて |
| Adverbial | 平たく | |
| Conditional | 平たければ | 平たくなければ |
| Tara conditional | 平たかったら | 平たくなかったら |
Meanings
1
Describes a surface or shape that is flat, without bumps or curves. Can also be used figuratively for something straightforward.
This road is flat and easy to walk on.
Serve the food on a flat plate.
2
Used for language or explanations that are easy to understand, without complicated terms. Often appears in set phrases like 平たく言えば (to put it plainly).
See also: 平たく言えば
To put it plainly, it means it's impossible.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉を平たくするto make something flat
I flatten the clay with my hands.
- 〈事〉を平たい言葉で説明するto explain something in plain, simple words
He explained the difficult theory in plain words.
- 平たい顔をしているto have a flat face
He has a flat face.
Expressions
- 平たく言えばin plain words; put simply; to put it plainly