shallow
word
/ˈʃæɫoʊ/
SHA-loh
/ʃˈæləʊ/
SHA-loh
Definition
If something is shallow, it does not go very deep from top to bottom. It can also describe a person, idea, or feeling that lacks depth, seriousness, or thoughtful understanding.
Usage & Nuances
Common for water and containers: 'a shallow river', 'a shallow bowl'. For people or opinions, 'shallow' is negative and means focused on unimportant things like appearance. Don't confuse it with 'low', which usually refers to height or level, not depth.
Spanish: poco profundo - superficialPortuguese (BR): raso - superficialPortuguese (PT): raso - superficialChinese (Simplified): 浅的 - 肤浅的Chinese (Traditional): 淺的 - 膚淺的Hindi: उथला - सतहीArabic: ضحل - سطحيBengali: পাথলা - অগভীরRussian: мелкий - поверхностныйJapanese: 浅い - 表面的Vietnamese: nông - hời hợtKorean: 얕은 - 피상적인Turkish: sığ - yüzeyselUrdu: اتلا - سطحیIndonesian: dangkal - dangkal (tidak mendalam)
Example Sentences
The water is too shallow to swim in.
basic
This bowl is very shallow.
basic
The river looks shallow near the rocks.
basic
His apology felt shallow and rehearsed.
natural
That movie looks fun, but the story is pretty shallow.
natural
People say social media can make conversations feel more shallow.
natural