Translation guide
Describes something containing a lot of fat, especially food, or refers to fatty tissue in the body. The most common Japanese equivalent is 脂っこい (aburakkōi) for greasy, oily foods. For body tissue, use 脂肪 (shibō) in compounds.
Describing food that is heavy, oily, or contains a lot of fat, often with a negative connotation of being too rich.
fatty meat · fatty food · too fatty
The most common and natural way to describe food that is greasy, oily, or fatty. Often used for fried foods, fatty meats, or dishes that feel heavy.
このラーメンは脂っこすぎる。
This ramen is too fatty/greasy.
脂っこい料理は苦手です。
I don't like greasy food.
Similar to 脂っこい, but can also mean 'oily' in texture or appearance. Slightly less common for food richness.
この天ぷらは油っぽくて胃がもたれる。
This tempura is oily and sits heavy on the stomach.
Describes rich, heavy, thick, or fatty food, often positively for ramen or stews. Can be used as an adverb or adjective.
こってりした豚骨ラーメンが好きです。
I like rich, fatty tonkotsu ramen.
Literally 'has a lot of fat/oil'. A straightforward description, often used for meat or food composition.
この肉は脂が多いですね。
This meat is fatty, isn't it?
Describing food or substances that are high in fat content, without the negative 'greasy' nuance. Often used in nutritional or descriptive contexts.
Means 'high in fat content'. Used in nutritional information or objective descriptions.
このチーズは脂肪分が多い。
This cheese is high in fat.
Means 'high-fat', often used as a modifier for foods or diets. More technical.
高脂肪の食事は健康に悪い。
A high-fat diet is bad for your health.
Referring to adipose tissue in the body, often in medical or biological contexts.
The general term for fat (noun). Used for body fat, fat in food, etc. Combine with other words for specific meanings.
運動すると脂肪が燃焼する。
Exercise burns fat.
Medical term for 'adipose tissue' or 'fatty tissue'.
Referring to fatty acids, a component of fats.
The standard term for 'fatty acid'. Used in scientific contexts.
オメガ3脂肪酸は体に良い。
Omega-3 fatty acids are good for you.
脂っこい (aburakkōi) is the most common word for 'greasy/fatty' food and carries a negative nuance of being too rich. 油っぽい (aburappōi) can also mean 'oily' in texture or appearance, and is sometimes used for skin or non-food items. For food, 脂っこい is preferred.
脂っこい料理は避けている。
I avoid greasy food.
この化粧品は油っぽい。
This cosmetic feels oily.
脂っこい only describes food. To talk about body fat or fatty tissue, use 脂肪 (shibō) or related terms. Saying 脂っこい人 would be unnatural and potentially rude.
脂っこい食べ物はなるべく避けています。
I try to avoid fatty foods.
このステーキは私には脂が多すぎます。
This steak is too fatty for me.
脂肪組織が炎症を起こしている。
The fatty tissue is inflamed.