厚い
あつい · atsui · JLPT N5 · i-adj
thick
📚🧥 atsui: AT-SUIt layers — thick cloth, thick kindness
厚 means thick, as in a thick book or a thick coat. Japanese extends it to feelings: thick kindness is deep, warm-hearted kindness. Same sound as 暑い (hot) and 熱い (hot to touch), so link all three: thick layers keep you warm.
厚 — cliff 厂 + 子 over 日 (sun) component
Originally depicted a tall, thick mound or cliff (厂) with layered earth beneath, showing depth and substance. The core meaning 'thick' extended metaphorically to 'generous,' 'deep,' or 'kind-hearted.' Today 厚 commonly means thick (in dimension) or sincere/generous in character.