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影が薄い (かげがうすい) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, i-adjective
in the background ; not standing out ; lacking presence
Describes a person or thing that is inconspicuous, unremarkable, or fails to make an impression. Often used for someone who is overshadowed by others or whose presence is weak.
See also: 影の薄い
あの 俳はい 優ゆう は 実じつ 力りょく は ある の に 、 なぜ か 影かげ が 薄うす い 。
That actor has talent, but for some reason he doesn't stand out.
Written forms 影かげ が 薄うす い
影かげ がうすい
Mixed kanji-kana spelling; less common but still encountered.
Kanji 影 shadow, silhouette, phantom 薄 dilute, thin, weak (tea) Similar words 影かげ の 薄うす い Attributive form (modifying a noun), e.g., 影の薄い人 (a person with little presence). 影が薄い is the predicative form used in sentences.
存そん 在ざい 感かん が 薄うす い More literal 'lacking presence'; 影が薄い is a more idiomatic and common expression for the same idea.
Etymology Idiomatic phrase from 影 (shadow, presence) + 薄い (thin, weak). The image is of a shadow so faint it is barely noticeable, metaphorically extended to a person's weak presence or lack of impact.
