Entry
きちっと
kichitto
Used when something is neat, snug, and exactly as it should be, with no slack or mess.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
きちっと points to a crisp finished state: a cleared desk, unwrinkled clothes, a lid that seats exactly, or a deadline that is kept without slack. The っと ending makes the result feel decisive. It is not a taste word, not a word for clear sound, and not a way to say something is merely approximate.
- Things or spaces put neatly in order
- Clothes or appearance that look tidy and proper
- Actions, rules, or parts that fit with no slack
Sense Map
Order and tidiness
Used when objects are put back so nothing looks scattered.
机の上をきちっと片付ける。
A snug, exact fit
Used when something closes, seats, or is done exactly, with no looseness.
ふたをきちっと閉める。
Usage Note
How to Use
きちっとする
Describes becoming neat, ordered, and exactly in place.
きちっとした + noun
Modifies a person or thing that looks tidy, proper, and well arranged.
きちっと + verb
Adverbial use: an action is done neatly, snugly, and without slack.
How to Use
Common Phrases
きちっと片付ける
to tidy up until everything is in place
きちっと閉める
to close something so it seats exactly
きちっとした服
neat, presentable clothes
きちっと守る
to keep a rule or promise without slack
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Desks, shelves, and laundry | positive | Often praises a tidy result: things in their places, folds lined up. |
| Clothes and deadlines | neutral | Fits a neat suit, or a deadline kept without slack. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
きちんと きちんと / similar | For everyday neatness, order, or doing things the proper way. | きちっと feels sharper: the result is snug and finished, not only orderly. | 部屋をきちんと片付ける。 |
きっちり きっちり / nearby | For exact numbers, time, or a tight physical fit with no leftover gap. | きちっと is more about neat manner and result; きっちり is more about measurement or tightness. | ふたをきっちり閉める。 |
ちゃんと ちゃんと / nearby | In casual speech: doing what is expected, without cutting corners. | ちゃんと is more colloquial. きちっと stresses a neat, snug result. | ちゃんと宿題をする。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using きちっと for flavor, as if food were bland or light.
きちっと is not a taste word. For a light flavor, use a word that actually talks about taste.
Treating きちっと as if it meant easy or merely finished.
きちっと stresses care: done neatly and exactly, not done the easy way.
Examples
Examples
机の上をきちっと片付ける。
つくえのうえをきちっとかたづける。
The desk is tidied until everything is in place.
VisualA visual result: things in their places, the desk looks finished.
スーツをきちっと着こなす。
スーツをきちっときこなす。
The suit is worn neatly, with no sloppy folds.
VisualA tidy, presentable look, without wrinkles.
締め切りをきちっと守る。
しめきりをきちっとまもる。
The deadline is kept without slack.
FigurativeKeeping a time rule so the result is not loose.
ふたがきちっと閉まる。
ふたがきちっとしまる。
The lid closes snugly, with no slack.
LiteralPhysical exactness: the part seats exactly where it should.
洗濯物をきちっと畳む。
せんたくものをきちっとたたむ。
The laundry is folded so the edges line up.
LiteralA tidying action until the folds and edges align.
Similar Words
きちんと
kichinto
An adverb describing an action or state that is orderly, accurate, and in accordance with rules or expectations. The general word for neat and proper. きちっと is crisper about a snug, finished result.
きっちり
kicchiri
Describes a state where something is exact, fits perfectly without looseness, or is done thoroughly and properly. More about numbers, time, or physical tightness. きちっと is more about neat manner and result.
ちゃんと
chanto
A colloquial adverb expressing that an action is performed correctly, properly, or reliably according to expectations. More casual: doing what is expected. きちっと stresses a neat, snug result.
Questions
How is きちっと different from きちんと?
きちんと is the general word for neat and proper. きちっと is crisper: the result is snug, finished, and not loose.
Can きちっと describe a person?
Yes. きちっとした人 often means someone who dresses neatly, keeps things in order, and can be relied on.
Is きちっと for exact numbers?
For an exact amount or time, きっちり is more usual. きちっと is more about manner and a neat result.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1003390
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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