薄っぺらい[usupperai]: shallow

July 16, 2020

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It is a adjective that is derived from "薄い". "薄い" is used when describing something that is thin or when the color/taste of something is light/mild.
”薄っぺらい” is used when describing a shallow person or something that has superficial quality.

Tom and Jim are complaining about their Japanese language class.

  • Tom: I don't want to take the class anymore. It's too boring.
    もう、あの授業を受けたくないよ。つまんな過ぎる。
  • Jim: Yeah, he just goes by the textbook. His lessons are devoid of any substance. I can learn what he teaches on my own.
    うん、あの先生さ、教科書を読んでいるだけだよね。薄っぺらい。自分で勉強できるよ。
Ken and Leo are talking about what kind of girls they like.

  • Leo: What kind of girls would you like to go out with?
    どんな女性と付き合いたい?
  • Ken: I like girls who are kind and sexy. Oh, they have to be thick.
    優しくて、セクシーな子がいいな。あっ、スタイルがいい子ね。
  • Leo: Huh, you are so shallow.
    はーっ、薄っぺらいなー。
Meg and Amy are talking about personal relationships.

  • Meg: As I get older, I find that having a few close friends is much more valuable than superficial relationships with many people.
    年を重ねると、大勢との薄っぺらい関係より、数人の親しい人との関係が大切だってことに気付かされる。
  • Amy: What happened all of a sudden?
    いきなり、どうしたの?
  • Meg: No matter what community I am in, I feel alone sometimes. I don't know, maybe I'm just tired.
    どのコミュニティにいても、時々孤独を感じるんだよね。よく分からないけど、多分私疲れているのね。

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