Entry
きっぱり
kippari
Doing something in a clean, firm, and unambiguous way without hesitation.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes a state where an action, decision, or attitude is expressed clearly and firmly, leaving no room for doubt or lingering attachment. It is most commonly used for refusals, quitting habits, or stating opinions with conviction.
- Decisive refusal or cessation
- Firm expression or attitude
Sense Map
Refusal and Quitting
Used when rejecting an offer or stopping a habit completely and permanently without second thoughts.
きっぱり断る
Statement and Stance
Used to describe a way of speaking or an attitude that shows strong conviction and clarity of intent.
きっぱりした態度
Usage Note
How to Use
きっぱり（と）動詞
Used as an adverb to describe the manner of an action, such as refusing or speaking firmly.
きっぱりした名詞
Used to modify a noun, typically to show the nature of someone's attitude or answer.
きっぱりしている
How to Use
Common Phrases
きっぱり断る
Refuse flatly
きっぱり言う
Say clearly and firmly
きっぱり辞める
Quit once and for all
きっぱりした態度
A firm attitude
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Business Settings | Neutral | Shows professionalism by giving a definitive answer without ambiguity. |
| Personal Relationships | Firm | Can sound cold if used without care, as it shuts down the other person's hopes. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
はっきり はっきり / nearby | Use when you want to focus on clarity of information, sound, or sight. | Hakkiri does not necessarily imply a firm decision or the act of cutting something off. | はっきり見える |
すっぱり すっぱり / nearby | Use when emphasizing the feeling of a clean break or giving something up entirely. | Suppari is more associated with the physical act of cutting or a clean, refreshing break. | すっぱり諦める |
さっぱり さっぱり / nearby | Use when something is completely gone, leaving a clear or refreshed feeling. | Sappari focuses on the complete disappearance of a state or feeling, while kippari focuses on the firm decisiveness of an action. | さっぱり忘れる |
あっさり あっさり / nearby | Use when an action is done easily without hesitation or lingering attachment, or for light-tasting food. | Assari implies a lack of attachment or effort, whereas kippari implies a deliberate, firm decision. | あっさり諦める |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe light-tasting food.
Use assari for food flavors. Kippari is only for behavior or speech.
Using it for clear visual focus.
Use hakkiri or kukkiri for visual clarity.
Examples
Examples
彼は彼女の誘いをきっぱり断った。
かれはかのじょのさそいをきっぱりことわった。
He flatly refused her invitation.
LiteralThe refusal left no room for ambiguity.
タバコをきっぱり辞めることにした。
タバコをきっぱりやめることにした。
I decided to quit smoking once and for all.
LiteralStopping a habit completely without looking back.
自分の意見をきっぱりと言った。
じぶんのいけんをきっぱりといった。
I stated my opinion clearly and firmly.
LiteralSpeaking without hesitation or vague expressions.
二人の関係をきっぱりと終わらせた。
ふたりのかんけいをきっぱりとおわらせた。
They ended their relationship decisively.
FigurativeEnding a connection without leaving any lingering attachments.
迷いのない、きっぱりとした態度を見せた。
まよいのない、きっぱりとしたたいどをみせた。
Showed a firm attitude without any hesitation.
FigurativeDisplaying a resolute stance through behavior.
Similar Words
すっぱり
suppari
'Suppari' describes an action performed decisively, cleanly, and completely, without any hesitation. Emphasizes a clean break, often with a feeling of relief or efficiency.
はっきり
hakkiri
Describes a state where something is clear, distinct, and unmistakable to the senses or the mind. Focuses on clarity of sound, vision, or information without necessary decisiveness.
ズバリ
zubari
An adverb describing the act of speaking directly to the core of an issue without hesitation, or guessing something with perfect accuracy.
あっさり
assari
Describes something that is light in flavor, simple in appearance, or happens quickly and easily without resistance. Can mean flatly refusing, but often implies a quick, easy, or emotionless action.
さっぱり
sappari
Describes a clean and unburdened state, such as feeling refreshed, having a light taste, or completely lacking something when used with a negative verb. Focuses on the complete disappearance of a state or feeling, leaving a refreshed or empty feeling.
Questions
Can Kippari be used for honesty?
Not for honesty in general, but for being firm and clear about one's stance without hesitation.
What is the main difference from Hakkiri?
Hakkiri means clear (not blurry), while Kippari means firm (not wavering).
Is it considered polite?
It is neutral. However, excessive firmness can sometimes be seen as blunt in Japanese culture.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1003440
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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