ichidan verb, intransitive verb
grow fat; gain weight; put on weight
Describes a person or animal becoming fatter or heavier. Often used for livestock or when weight gain is noticeable.
最近、食べ過ぎて少し肥えた。
I've been eating too much lately and have put on a little weight.
This cow is well fattened.
ichidan verb, intransitive verb
become fertile (soil)
Used for land or soil that has become rich and productive, often through cultivation or natural processes.
火山灰のおかげで畑が肥えた。
The fields became fertile thanks to the volcanic ash.
ichidan verb, intransitive verb
be discerning; be refined; have a good eye/palate/ear
Often used in phrases like 目が肥える (develop a discerning eye) or 舌が肥える (develop a refined palate). Implies cultivated taste through experience.
See also: 目が肥える
彼は美術館に通って目が肥えた。
He developed a discerning eye by frequenting art museums.
美食家の舌は肥えている。
A gourmet has a refined palate.
ichidan verb, intransitive verb
become rich; become wealthy
Somewhat dated or literary; modern Japanese more often uses 裕福になる or 金持ちになる. Still seen in fixed expressions or older texts.
あの商人は一代で肥えたそうだ。
That merchant is said to have become wealthy in a single generation.