Entry
ばっさり
bassari
Bassari describes the action of cutting something completely, cleanly, and without hesitation in a single swift motion.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word conveys a strong sense of decisiveness and finality. It is commonly used literally for chopping off long hair or thick branches, as well as figuratively for ruthlessly slashing a budget, cutting down text, or firmly severing ties and rejecting ideas.
- Cutting cleanly
- Slashing drastically
- Severing decisively
Sense Map
Physical Cutting
Used when cutting something cleanly and completely in one go, such as chopping off long hair or lopping off tree branches.
髪をばっさり切る
Drastic Reduction
Used when drastically reducing or slashing things like budgets, text, or expenses.
予算をばっさり削る
Decisive Rejection
Used when ruthlessly discarding an idea, dismissing a person, or severing relationships without hesitation.
提案をばっさり切り捨てる
Usage Note
How to Use
ばっさり + と + verb
The particle 'to' is often added to emphasize the adverbial nature of the decisive action.
ばっさり + verb
Directly modifies the verb (usually relating to cutting, reducing, or discarding) without 'to', sounding slightly more concise.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ばっさりと切る
to cut cleanly
髪をばっさり切る
to cut one's hair short
予算をばっさり削る
to slash the budget
ばっさり切り捨てる
to discard ruthlessly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Getting a haircut | neutral | Implies a significant change in length, like cutting long hair to a bob or pixie cut. |
| Business and finance | negative | When applied to budgets or expenses, it conveys a harsh, drastic reduction. |
| Interpersonal relations | negative | Implies a ruthless or cold-hearted rejection or severing of ties without listening to the other side. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ざっくり ざっくり / contrast | Use for cutting something roughly or doing something approximately without focusing on precision. | Does not mean a clean, decisive cut. Zakkuri implies roughness or a broad overview. | ざっくりと計算する |
すっぱり すっぱり / similar | Use for completely and cleanly quitting a habit or cutting off a relationship with no lingering regrets. | Focuses more on the psychological state of having no regrets rather than the physical or forceful act of cutting. | タバコをすっぱりやめる |
さっぱり さっぱり / similar | Used to describe a feeling of being refreshed, clean, or completely free of lingering attachments. | Does not describe the forceful physical act of cutting, but rather focuses on the clean, refreshed state or psychological clarity that follows. | 気分がさっぱりする |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'bassari' for slow, gradual cutting.
'Bassari' requires a swift, decisive action. For slow cutting, use other expressions.
Thinking it only applies to physical objects.
It is very commonly used for abstract concepts like budgets, text, and relationships.
Examples
Examples
髪をばっさり切って、イメージチェンジした。
かみを[ばっさり]きって、イメージチェンジした。
I cut my hair short and changed my image.
VisualFocuses on the drastic change in appearance.
庭の木の枝をばっさりと切り落とした。
にわのきのえだを[ばっさりと]きりおとした。
I lopped off the branches of the tree in the garden cleanly.
LiteralPhysical act of cutting something thick.
会社の経費がばっさり削られた。
かいしゃのけいひが[ばっさり]けずられた。
The company's expenses were slashed drastically.
FigurativeUsed as a metaphor for a massive reduction.
彼の提案は、会議でばっさり切り捨てられた。
かれのていあんは、かいぎで[ばっさり]きりすてられた。
His proposal was ruthlessly discarded at the meeting.
FigurativeA cold rejection without compromise.
悪縁をばっさり断ち切って、新しい生活を始める。
あくえんを[ばっさり]たちきって、あたらしいせいかつをはじめる。
I firmly severed the toxic ties and started a new life.
FigurativeSevering relationships without hesitation.
Similar Words
すっぱり
suppari
'Suppari' describes an action performed decisively, cleanly, and completely, without any hesitation. Both mean a complete break, but suppari focuses on quitting without regret.
さっぱり
sappari
Describes a clean and unburdened state, such as feeling refreshed, having a light taste, or completely lacking something when used with a negative verb. Focuses on the feeling of refreshment or psychological relief after an issue is resolved.
ざっくり
zakkuri
Roughly, approximately, or a chunky, loose texture. Opposite in precision; zakkuri is rough, bassari is clean.
きっぱり
kippari
Doing something in a clean, firm, and unambiguous way without hesitation.
Questions
Can 'bassari' be used for cutting paper?
Generally no. It is used for things with volume or thickness like hair, branches, or abstract large quantities like budgets. Cutting paper is usually described with 'choki-choki'.
Is 'bassari' positive or negative?
It depends on the context. Cutting hair is neutral or positive (refreshing), but slashing budgets or rejecting ideas can feel harsh and negative.
What is the difference between 'bassari' and 'zakkuri'?
'Bassari' is a clean, decisive, and often complete cut. 'Zakkuri' is a rough, coarse, or approximate cut.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2395420
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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