Meanings
① A person’s attitude, character, taste, color, shape, etc.,
are not persistent (thick or dense). To be straightforward and plain
② The ease with which things are done.
Examples
① This ramen is lightly salted（seasoned in a light way).
このラーメンはあっさりした塩味だ。
① The design of this poster is simple.
このポスターのデザインはあっさりしたものだ。
① My brother has a simple personality.
弟は性格があっさりしている。
② I proposed to her before I could finish, she said yes.
だめ元でプロポーズしたら、言い終わらないうちにあっさりOKだった。
② He was easily defeated.
彼はあっさりと負けた。
② I had broken something precious to him, and he easily forgave me.
大切なものを壊してしまったのに、あっさり許してくれた。
② He easily quit smoking cigarettes, which he had smoked for many years.
長年吸っていたタバコをあっさりやめた。
Dogmatic Opinion
An attribute of a thing or person, an expression of a state or quality.
① is used mostly for “taste”. Seasonings and oil are used sparingly,
and the taste is not strong.
The image of density and viscosity is thin.
The seasoning and layers of color are not heavy and do not linger.
→The reason for “Assari” of his character is that he is not the type of person who would complain about something afterwards.
I think the word ② has the connotation of “unexpectedly, contrary to expectations,
such as “He might play a good game,” “He must get angry,” and “He might not be able to quit smoking.”
Proximate Expression
① plainly, simply, lightly
② easily, readily, without difficulty
