thin

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 薄 is read うすい, has 16 strokes, and relates to thinness or paleness.
• Basic usage: 薄い is read うすい, and 薄める is read うすめる.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 薄い and 薄める
  • 薄い means thin or pale.
  • 薄い紙を重ねて花の形を作った。 means “I layered thin sheets of paper to make a flower shape.”
  • 薄める means to dilute or to lighten.
  • 濃い果汁を水で薄めて飲んだ。 means “I diluted the concentrated fruit juice with water before drinking it.”