Entry
はきはき
hakihaki
Speaking or acting in a clear, brisk, and energetic manner that shows confidence.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term describes a person's communication style or attitude when they speak articulately and respond to others promptly and with vigor. It is a highly valued trait in social and professional settings in Japan.
- Articulating words clearly and audibly.
- Responding to questions without hesitation.
- Displaying a lively and confident personality through behavior.
Sense Map
Clarity of Speech
Pronouncing words distinctly and speaking at an appropriate speed for others to understand.
面接官の質問にはきはきと答える。
Energetic Attitude
Carrying oneself with a lively, smart, and decisive demeanor.
彼女はいつもはきはきしていて気持ちがいい。
Usage Note
How to Use
はきはき（と）話す
はきはき（と）答える
はきはきした態度
はきはきしている
Used to describe a person's habitual state or personality trait.
How to Use
Common Phrases
はきはきと話す
to speak clearly and briskly
はきはき答える
to answer promptly and articulately
はきはきした態度
a smart and energetic attitude
はきはきした話し方
a clear and lively way of speaking
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Job Interview | positive | Shows professionalism and confidence to the interviewer. |
| Workplace Interaction | positive | Makes communication smooth and reliable. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
はっきり はっきり / similar | Used for clarity in a general sense, including visual objects or facts. | Hakkiri is about objective clarity; Hakihaki is about the subjective energy and articulation of a person. | 意見をはっきり言う。 |
てきぱき てきぱき / similar | Used when someone handles tasks or physical work quickly and efficiently. | Tekipaki focuses on the efficiency of work, while Hakihaki focuses on the clarity of communication. | 事務作業をてきぱき進める。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using はきはき to describe a clear sky.
Use はっきり (hakkiri) for weather. はきはき is only for human behavior or speech.
Confusing it with just 'loud voice'.
It implies articulation and promptness, not just volume. A loud but slurred voice is not hakihaki.
Examples
Examples
面接ではきはきと話すことで、良い印象を与えることができます。
めんせつではきはきとはなすことで、よいいんしょうをあたえることができます。
By speaking clearly and briskly during an interview, you can make a good impression.
LiteralShows usage in a formal context like a job interview.
あの店員さんはいつもはきはきしていて、とても親切です。
あのてんいんさんはいつもはきはきしていて、とてもしんせつです。
That shop assistant is always brisk and clear, and very kind.
LiteralDescribes a positive personality or work attitude.
質問にはきはきと答える学生は、先生からも好かれます。
しつもんにはきはきとこたえるがくせいは、せんせいからもすかれます。
Students who answer questions clearly and promptly are also liked by their teachers.
LiteralExample of usage in a school environment.
彼女のはきはきした話し方は、とても聞き取りやすいです。
かのじょのはきはきしたはなしかたは、とてもききとりやすいです。
Her clear and brisk way of speaking is very easy to understand.
LiteralEmphasizes the clarity of voice and articulation.
新入社員がはきはきと挨拶する様子は、活気があって良い。
しんにゅうしゃいんがはきはきとあいさつするようすは、かっきがあってよい。
The way new employees greet people briskly and clearly is lively and good.
FigurativeUses a figurative sense to describe the atmosphere created.
Similar Words
てきぱき
tekipaki
Doing tasks or taking action quickly, efficiently, and without hesitation. Focuses on speed and efficiency in tasks.
はっきり
hakkiri
Describes a state where something is clear, distinct, and unmistakable to the senses or the mind. Focuses more on objective clarity (visual, auditory).
キビキビ
kibikibi
Performing actions or speaking in a brisk, energetic, and efficient manner.
きりっと
kiritto
Describes a smart and neat appearance, a sharp and resolute facial expression, or a crisp, well-chilled taste.
Questions
Can I use はきはき for someone I don't like?
It is almost always a positive term. If you use it, it sounds like you are praising their clarity, even if you don't like them.
Is there a negative version of this?
No, but terms like 'mogo-mogo' (mumbling) describe the opposite, less desirable state.
Does it imply the person is fast-paced?
Yes, but specifically in terms of mental alertness and response time, rather than physical running speed.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1010090
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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