薄(うす)め

うすめ

na-adjective

slightly thin; on the light side; a bit diluted

1. somewhat thin, light, or diluted; on the weak side

Formed from 薄(うす)い (thin, light, weak, diluted) + め (suffix indicating 'somewhat' or 'on the _ side'). Describes something that is moderately thin, light in color, diluted, or sparse — slightly below average intensity.

コーヒーは薄(うす)めにしてください。

Please make the coffee on the weak side.

色(いろ)は薄(うす)めのブルーを選(えら)んだ。

I chose a lighter shade of blue.

今日(きょう)は薄(うす)めに塩(しお)を振(ふ)って、素材(そざい)の味(あじ)を生(い)かした料理(りょうり)にした。

Today I seasoned lightly with salt and made a dish that brings out the natural flavors.

Formed by attaching め to the adjective stem 薄(うす). This め suffix softens the adjective: '(a little) on the thin/light side.' It is used for color, liquid concentration, fabric thickness, and seasoning.

Common collocations

味(あじ)は薄(うす)めに: with light seasoning
色(いろ)は薄(うす)めに: in a light shade
薄(うす)めに切(き)る: to cut thinly
薄(うす)めに塗(ぬ)る: to apply thinly

Note: The め suffix can attach to many adjective stems: 厚(あつ)め (somewhat thick), 濃(こ)いめ/こいめ (somewhat strong/dark), 多(おお)め (somewhat much), etc.

Similar words

薄(うす)い: thin, light, diluted — the base adjective; stronger than うすめ
淡(あわ)い: faint, pale — emphasizes delicateness of color or sensation

Related Words

Compare: 薄(うす)い (thin, light, diluted)

Compare: 淡(あわ)い (faint, pale)

Related: 細(ほそ)め (somewhat thin)

general

Added 2026.6.10 2:40 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:31

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