浅薄

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 浅薄 is read as せんぱく and functions as an adjectival noun or noun meaning shallow, superficial, or vulgar in thought, knowledge, or attitude.
• Basic usage: Use 浅薄な態度 for a superficial attitude and 説明は浅薄だ for judging an explanation to be shallow.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Difference between 浅薄 and 浅い
  • The former carries a negative judgment that thought or conduct lacks depth, whereas the latter is also neutral when describing shallow physical depth.