Translation guide
The English word "weight" covers several distinct concepts: physical heaviness, heavy objects, emotional burden, importance, and influence. Japanese uses different words and expressions for each.
The measurable heaviness of an object or person.
The most common and general word for physical weight. Used for objects, people, and abstract heaviness.
この荷物の重さはどれくらいですか？
How much does this luggage weigh?
体重を量る
to weigh oneself
More formal or technical term for weight, often used in specifications, shipping, or scientific contexts.
最大積載重量は500キロです。
The maximum load weight is 500 kg.
Specifically body weight (of a person or animal).
最近体重が増えた。
I've gained weight recently.
A physical object that is heavy, especially one used for exercise or measurement.
A weight used for exercise, scales, or to hold something down. Often refers to dumbbells or counterweights.
ジムで重りを使ってトレーニングする。
I train using weights at the gym.
A weight used in scales or balances, often a standard mass. Technical term.
A feeling of being weighed down by worry, responsibility, or stress.
Literally 'heavy load', used metaphorically for a burden or something that weighs on one's mind.
責任が重荷に感じられる。
The responsibility feels like a weight on my shoulders.
Loanword from English, commonly used for psychological pressure or stress.
Specifically a mental or emotional burden.
秘密を抱えるのは心の重荷だ。
Keeping a secret is a weight on my mind.
The significance, authority, or persuasive power of a person, idea, or evidence.
Abstract weight in the sense of importance, seriousness, or authority. Often used for words, opinions, or presence.
彼の言葉には重みがある。
His words carry weight.
この証拠は裁判で重みを持つだろう。
This evidence will carry weight in the trial.
General word for importance or significance. More formal and direct than 重み.
Influence or clout, especially in social or political contexts.
A category of body weight in competitive sports.
Weight class in sports like boxing, judo, or weightlifting.
彼はヘビー級の選手だ。
He is a heavyweight fighter.
Literally 'by body weight', used to describe weight categories.
体重別の試合
matches by weight class
The common phrase 'lose weight' is not translated using 重さ or 体重 directly. Use 痩せる (やせる) for 'to lose weight' or 体重が減る (たいじゅうがへる) for 'body weight decreases'.
痩せたい。
I want to lose weight.
重さ (omosa) is objective, measurable weight. 重み (omomi) is subjective, metaphorical weight (importance, dignity). Use 重さ for physical heaviness and 重み for abstract significance.
雪の重みで屋根が崩れた。
The weight of the snow caused the roof to collapse.
Here 重み is used for the physical heaviness causing an effect, which can also be expressed as 重さ.
彼女は期待の重圧を感じた。
She felt the weight of expectation.
重圧 (juuatsu) means intense pressure, suitable for strong emotional weight.
天秤に分銅を載せる。
Place a weight on the balance.
I succumbed to the weight of pressure before the match.
Please understand the weight of this issue.
彼は政界で大きな影響力を持っている。
He carries a lot of weight in political circles.