“Light (weight)” in Japanese is 軽い (かるい), pronounced karui.
Pronunciation
The word has 3 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
Light in weight, also light-hearted or mild.
Example sentences
- このパソコンは軽いです。このパソコンはかるいです。This laptop is light.
- 軽い食事をしました。かるいしょくじをしました。I had a light meal.
Conjugation
The most useful forms of 軽い. The rules are explained in い- vs. な-adjectives.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Plain | 軽い かるい | light (weight) |
| Polite present | 軽いです かるいです | is light (weight) |
| Negative | 軽くないです かるくないです | isn’t light (weight) |
| Past | 軽かったです かるかったです | was light (weight) |
| Past negative | 軽くなかったです かるくなかったです | wasn’t light (weight) |
| て-form | 軽くて かるくて | light (weight) and… |
| Adverb (く) | 軽く かるく | adverb form (+ verb) |
Quick practice
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Related words: Adjectives
FAQ
How do you say light (weight) in Japanese?
Light (weight) in Japanese is 軽い (かるい), pronounced “karui”.
How do you write light (weight) in Japanese?
It's written 軽い with kanji, or かるい in hiragana. Both are read karui.
Is 軽い on the JLPT?
Yes. 軽い (karui) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.