Translation and Meaning of: 安っぽい - yasuppoi

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 安っぽい (yasuppoi) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: yasuppoi

Kana: やすっぽい

Type: Adjective

L: jlpt-n1

安っぽい

Translation / Meaning: cheap looking; tawdry; insignificant

Meaning in English: cheap-looking;tawdry;insignificant

Definition: Term used to describe a situation in which the price is low, but the quality or value is inferior.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (安っぽい) yasuppoi

The word 「安っぽい」 (yasuppoi) is an expression in the Japanese language used to describe something that seems cheap or of inferior quality. It can refer to both physical objects and ideas or feelings, conveying the impression that something lacks substance or lasting value.

Etimologically, 「安っぽい」 is formed by two main components: the Kanji 「安」 (an/yasu) which means "cheap" or "calm", and the suffix 「っぽい」 (-ppoi), which is used to indicate a characteristic that appears to resemble something. This suffix is quite common in Japanese and can be compared to the use of the suffix "-ish" in English. Thus, the complete term suggests the appearance or impression of something cheap.

The origin of the use of 「安っぽい」 dates back to a period when Japan began to modernize and industrialize its manufacturing practices, often resulting in products that, while functional, lacked the sophistication of traditional artisanal methods. For this reason, the word carries a cultural context, sometimes suggesting a disdain for solutions that prioritize quantity over quality.

In contemporary Japanese culture, 「安っぽい」 can be used figuratively to describe not only material objects but also actions or feelings that appear to be superficial or insincere. This flexibility in the application of the word makes it useful in descriptions of both fashion and behavior, and it often appears in critiques or discussions about aesthetics and ethics, serving as a linguistic tool to convey a perception of lack of refinement or depth.

Synonyms and similar words

安い (Yasui) - Cheap, affordable price
安価 (Anka) - Low price, reduced cost, indicates value in relation to the price
安易 (An'i) - Easy, simple; it can have a negative connotation of superficiality.
安っぽい (Yasuppoi) - Cheap or of inferior quality, it can convey a sense of lack of value or finesse.
安っぽく見える (Yasuppoku mieru) - It seems cheap, suggesting a visual assessment that refers to a lack of quality.
安っぽい見た目 (Yasuppoi mita me) - Cheap appearance refers to the aesthetics that project a lower value.
安っぽい印象 (Yasuppoi inshou) - Cheap printing, the perception that something is of inferior quality
安っぽい雰囲気 (Yasuppoi fun'iki) - Cheap atmosphere, an environment that conveys a sense of devaluation.