Entry
きっかり
kikkari
A word indicating an exact amount or point in time with no deviation or surplus.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Kikkari emphasizes absolute precision in numbers, time, or measurements. It conveys a clean cut feeling at the exact boundary, implying that the value is neither more nor less than stated.
- Indicates a sharp and punctual point in time.
- Refers to precise numerical values like money or measurements.
Sense Map
Time and Appointments
Used to indicate a sharp or punctual point in time, often to show strict adherence to a schedule.
十時きっかり (Exactly 10 o'clock).
Amounts and Measurements
Used for precise numerical values such as currency, weight, or distance.
五千円きっかり (Exactly 5,000 yen).
Usage Note
How to Use
きっかり + [time/amount]
Placed before or after a number to stress that it is exactly that amount.
きっかりと + [verb]
Acts as an adverb to describe an action performed with exact timing or measurement.
How to Use
Common Phrases
三時きっかり
Exactly 3 o'clock.
百グラムきっかり
Exactly 100 grams.
きっかり十年
Exactly 10 years.
きっかり分ける
To divide exactly.
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Appointments | Neutral | Emphasizes punctuality and strict adherence to a designated time. |
| Payments | Neutral | Indicates that the payment is the exact amount required, avoiding the need for change. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぴったり ぴったり / similar | When something matches or fits perfectly in terms of size, opinion, or timing. | Kikkari is strictly for numbers/time; Pittari also applies to physical fit like clothing. | The shoes fit perfectly (pittari). |
ちょうど ちょうど / similar | The most general and versatile term for exactly or just. | Kikkari is more formal and places a stronger emphasis on the lack of any surplus or deficit. | Just right (choudo ii). |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using kikkari for subjective feelings like just right.
Use kikkari only for measurable, numerical precision like time, money, or weight.
Using it to describe a tight-fitting object or lid.
Use pittari or kitchiri for physical fit; kikkari is reserved for values and figures.
Examples
Examples
彼は約束の時間の10時きっかりにやってきた。
かれはやくそくのじかんのじゅうじきっかりにやってきた。
He arrived at exactly 10 o'clock, the time of the appointment.
LiteralIndicates precise clock timing.
会費は一人につき3,000円きっかりです。
かいひはひとりにつきさんぜんえんきっかりです。
The membership fee is exactly 3,000 yen per person.
LiteralUsed for an exact monetary amount without change.
小麦粉を1キロきっかり量ってください。
こむぎこをいちきろきっかりはかってください。
Please weigh the flour to exactly 1 kilogram.
LiteralUsed for precise weight measurement.
あの事故から、今日できっかり10年が経った。
あのじこから、きょうできっかりじゅうねんがたった。
Exactly 10 years have passed today since that accident.
LiteralIndicates a precise time period up to today.
ケーキをきっかり半分に分けた。
けーきをきっかりはんぶんにわけた。
I divided the cake into exactly two halves.
VisualIndicates a very even physical division.
Similar Words
ちょうど
choudo
The general term for 'exactly'.
かっきり
kakkiri
Exactly, precisely, or perfectly on time without any excess or shortfall.
きっちり
kicchiri
Describes a state where something is exact, fits perfectly without looseness, or is done thoroughly and properly.
ぴったり
pittari
Describes things that fit perfectly, match exactly, or an action that stops completely.
ちょっきり
chokkiri
A colloquial term meaning perfectly exact with no remainder, often applied to money or time, or the sharp sound of snipping.
Questions
Is kikkari used for physical fit?
No, use pittari for things like clothes or lids that fit exactly into place.
Can I use kikkari for 12:00?
Yes, 12時きっかり is a very common and natural way to say 12:00 sharp.
What is the difference between kikkari and kakkiri?
They are very similar, but kakkiri is slightly more emphatic or used in more literary and descriptive contexts.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1003410
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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