Entry
かっきり
kakkiri
Exactly, precisely, or perfectly on time without any excess or shortfall.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Describes something that is highly accurate, exact, or punctual, often relating to time, quantity, or clearly defined boundaries. It emphasizes strict precision without any deviation.
- Exactly on time
- Exact amount
- Clearly divided boundaries
Sense Map
Punctual time
Punctually or exactly on the specified time without delay.
午後三時かっきりに到着した。
Exact quantity
An exact amount or quantity without any excess or shortage.
千円かっきり支払う。
Clear boundaries
Clear, sharp, or distinct boundaries and conceptual divisions.
敷地をかっきりと分ける。
Usage Note
How to Use
時間・数量 + かっきりに
Used after a time or quantity noun to state that something happens precisely at that point.
かっきり + と + 動詞
Takes the particle 'to' when modifying verbs, typically to express dividing or separating something sharply.
時間・数量 + かっきりだ
Used at the end of a sentence to assert that an amount or time is perfectly exact.
How to Use
Common Phrases
３時かっきり
Exactly at 3 o'clock
千円かっきり
Exactly 1,000 yen
時間かっきりに
Exactly on time
かっきりと分ける
To divide clearly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Times and schedules | Neutral to positive (professional) | Shows high discipline and respect for agreed-upon schedules. |
| Amounts of money | Neutral | Indicates that exact cash is provided, leaving no change to be returned. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
きっかり きっかり / similar | When referring to an exact amount, measurement, or time. Both are very similar and interchangeable in most contexts. | Kakkiri sometimes emphasizes the sharpness of a boundary or conceptual separation a little more. | ５時きっかりに終わる。 |
きっちり きっちり / similar | When describing something done neatly, properly, and without fail or gaps (like closing a lid tightly or doing a job thoroughly). | Kakkiri focuses more on the exactness of numbers or clear boundaries, not on the neatness or thoroughness of a physical action. | ふたをきっちり閉める。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using kakkiri to describe clothes that fit perfectly.
Use pittari for physical fit or sizing. Kakkiri is for time, mathematical amounts, or distinct conceptual boundaries.
Using kakkiri to describe a television picture that is highly visible.
Use hakkiri or kukkiri for visual clarity. Kakkiri is strictly for exactness in numbers or dividing lines.
Examples
Examples
午後三時かっきりに会議を始めます。
ごごさんじかっきりにかいぎをはじめます。
We will start the meeting exactly at 3 PM.
LiteralIndicates the exact time without any delay.
お釣りのないよう、千円かっきりお渡しします。
おつりのないよう、せんえんかっきりおわたしします。
I will give you exactly 1,000 yen so there is no change.
LiteralIndicates that the amount of money is exact.
彼女は毎日時間かっきりに会社へ来る。
かのじょはまいにちじかんかっきりにかいしゃへくる。
She comes to the office punctually on time every day.
LiteralShows strict discipline regarding the schedule.
公私をかっきりと分けるべきだ。
こうしをかっきりとわけるべきだ。
We should divide public and private matters clearly.
FigurativeShows a clear separation of conceptual boundaries.
十キロかっきりの荷物を準備した。
じゅっきろかっきりのにもつをじゅんびした。
I have prepared exactly ten kilograms of luggage.
LiteralIndicates an exact measurement of weight.
Similar Words
きっかり
kikkari
A word indicating an exact amount or point in time with no deviation or surplus. Very similar and highly interchangeable for time or amounts.
きっちり
kicchiri
Describes a state where something is exact, fits perfectly without looseness, or is done thoroughly and properly. Used for physical actions done neatly, properly, and thoroughly without fail.
ぴったり
pittari
Describes things that fit perfectly, match exactly, or an action that stops completely.
Questions
What is the difference between kakkiri and kikkari?
They mean the same thing, but kakkiri can sound slightly sharper, especially when describing a clear division or strict boundary.
Can kakkiri be used for clothes that fit well?
No, for physical fit or clothing sizes, you should use the word pittari instead.
Does kakkiri have kanji?
It is almost always written in hiragana or katakana. Kanji is practically never used.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2078030
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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