重厚

• Reading: じゅうこう
• Romaji: jūkō
• Kanji breakdown: 重 (jū/omo) — heavy, weighty, serious; 厚 (kō/atsu) — thick, deep, substantial
• Pronunciation: /d͡ʑɯːkoː/

Meaning

Profound; dignified; solid; having weight and depth. Describes something of substance and gravitas.

A な-adjective used to describe people, works, or organisations that have weight, depth, and solidity — both literally and figuratively. 重厚な人物 describes a person of gravitas and dignity. 重厚な作品 describes a weighty, serious work of art or literature. Positive connotation.

Examples

1. 重厚な内容の論文を書き上げるのに三年かかった。 It took three years to complete the weighty academic paper.
2. 彼は若いながらも重厚な雰囲気を持つ政治家だ。 Despite his youth, he is a politician who carries an air of gravitas and dignity.
3. その建物は重厚な石造りで歴史を感じさせる。 The building is constructed of solid stone and exudes a sense of history.

Usage Guide

Context: literary criticism, architecture, character description

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 重 (heavy, weighty, serious) and 厚 (thick, deep, substantial). Both characters contribute to the sense of depth and solidity.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated