平たい

• Reading: ひらたい
• Romaji: hiratai
• Kanji breakdown: 平 (hei/hira) — flat, even, level, peace
• Pronunciation: /hi.ɾa.ta.i/

Meaning

Flat; level; even. Having a smooth, horizontal surface without bumps or elevation.

An i-adjective describing a physically flat surface: 平たい石 (a flat stone), 平たく伸ばす (to flatten out). Also used figuratively in the expression 平たく言えば (hirataku ieba, to put it plainly/in simple terms), where 'flattening' language means simplifying it. The word implies a lack of height or protrusion — something pressed down or naturally level. More colloquial than 平ら (taira, flat/level), which sounds more formal.

Examples

1. 平たい石を集めて水切りをした。 I collected flat stones and went skipping rocks.
2. 生地を平たく伸ばしてください。 Please flatten the dough out evenly.
3. 平たく言えば予算が足りないということだ。 To put it plainly, we don't have enough budget.

Usage Guide

Context: cooking, crafts, explanation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 平 (hira, flat/level) + the i-adjective ending たい. The kanji 平 depicts a flat, even surface and is the foundation of many words related to flatness, equality, and peace (平和, 平等, 平野).

Cultural Context

Era: Pre-modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal