Entry
じっくり
jikkuri
This word means to take one's time to do something thoroughly and carefully without rushing.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
じっくり (jikkuri) describes an action done without haste, dedicating adequate time to think, observe, or process something deeply in order to achieve a high-quality result.
- thinking or observing carefully
- cooking slowly and thoroughly
Sense Map
Thinking and Discussing
Taking the necessary time to think, plan, or discuss something deeply.
じっくり考える。
Cooking and Processing
Cooking food slowly over a long period to bring out the flavor or ensure it is fully cooked.
じっくり煮込む。
Usage Note
How to Use
じっくり + verb
Used directly before a verb to show that an action is done thoroughly and carefully.
じっくりと + verb
A slightly more formal version, adding the particle 'to' for emphasis on the adverbial state.
How to Use
Common Phrases
じっくり考える
to think carefully
じっくり煮込む
to simmer slowly
じっくり話を聞く
to listen carefully to someone
じっくり見る
to observe closely
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Processes & Work | Positive | Shows dedication and carefulness in making decisions or solving problems. |
| Cooking | Positive | Gives the impression that food is cooked with great care to make it delicious. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ゆっくり ゆっくり / similar | Use when emphasizing slow physical speed or a relaxed state without time pressure. | Does not necessarily imply thoroughness or care, just slowness or relaxation. | ゆっくり歩く。 |
とっくり とっくり / similar | Use in contexts of advising or considering something very deeply (a somewhat older or literary expression). | Less commonly used for physical contexts like cooking compared to じっくり. | とっくりと考える。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using じっくり for slow physical movement like walking.
Use ゆっくり (yukkuri) for slow physical speed. じっくり focuses on the thoroughness of a process.
Thinking じっくり just means wasting time.
It always carries the nuance of 'careful, thorough, or deep for a good result', not just being slow.
Examples
Examples
じっくりと考えた結果、転職することにしました。
じっくりとかんがえたけっか、てんしょくすることにしました。
After thinking it over carefully, I decided to change jobs.
LiteralDescribes a deep thinking process before making a major decision.
スープを弱火でじっくり煮込む。
スープをよわびでじっくりにこむ。
Simmer the soup slowly over low heat.
LiteralOften used in recipes to describe simmering so that the flavors blend well.
彼の話をじっくり聞く時間が必要だ。
かれのはなしをじっくりきくじかんがひつようだ。
I need time to listen to his story carefully.
LiteralShows a willingness to not interrupt and to focus fully on what is being said.
相手の顔をじっくりと観察した。
あいてのかおをじっくりとかんさつした。
I observed the other person's face closely.
VisualFocuses on careful visual observation of an object or person.
焦らず、じっくり計画を練ろう。
あせらず、じっくりけいかくをねろう。
Let's take our time and form a thorough plan without rushing.
FigurativeUsed for long-term strategic planning that requires careful thought.
Similar Words
とっくり
tokkuri
An older synonym, often used in the context of advising or thinking deeply.
Questions
What is the difference between じっくり and ゆっくり?
ゆっくり focuses on slow speed or being relaxed. じっくり focuses on taking the time to ensure quality, thoroughness, and depth.
Can I use this word for walking slowly?
It is unnatural. For slow physical movement, use ゆっくり.
Is じっくり a formal word?
It is neutral. It can be used in both daily conversation and business situations (such as when discussing a project).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1005860
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- ジタバタ (jitabata)
- Next entry
- じっと (jitto)