軽い

• Reading: かるい
• Romaji: karui
• Kanji breakdown: 軽 (karu/kei) — light (weight), easy, minor
• Pronunciation: /ka.ɾɯ.i/

Meaning

Light; not heavy. Also describes something minor or casual in nature.

An i-adjective primarily meaning physically light in weight, but also used figuratively for light meals, light exercise, or a minor issue. The antonym for weight is 重い (heavy). Conjugates regularly: 軽くない, 軽かった, 軽くなかった.

Examples

1. このかばんはとても軽いです。 This bag is very light.
2. 軽い朝ごはんを食べました。 I had a light breakfast.
3. 新しいパソコンは軽くて持ちやすいです。 The new computer is light and easy to carry.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, shopping, descriptions

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 軽 combines the cart radical 車 with a phonetic element, originally describing a lightweight vehicle.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal