Entry
きりっと
kiritto
Describes a smart and neat appearance, a sharp and resolute facial expression, or a crisp, well-chilled taste.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word conveys a state of being taut, sharp, and perfectly put together. It is most commonly used to describe someone who is smartly dressed (like in a well-fitted suit) and looking dignified, or someone holding a firm, resolute posture and facial expression. Additionally, it is a very common culinary term to describe drinks (like white wine or beer) that are perfectly chilled, providing a crisp, clean sensation.
- Smart, neat, and elegant appearance
- Firm, resolute, or sharp expression and attitude
- Crisp, refreshing taste or chilling temperature
Sense Map
Appearance & Posture
Describes a person who is dressed smartly and neatly, or someone maintaining a dignified, upright posture.
きりっとしたスーツ姿
Expression & Attitude
Indicates a serious, focused, and resolute facial expression or demeanor.
表情がきりっとする
Taste & Temperature
Describes food or drinks that are well-chilled, resulting in a crisp, sharp, and refreshing sensation.
きりっと冷えたワイン
Usage Note
How to Use
きりっとする
Used as a verb meaning to become sharp, neat, or tense.
きりっとした + noun
Used as a modifier to describe a noun, such as a smart appearance (姿) or sharp face (顔).
きりっと + verb
Used as an adverb to describe performing an action sharply, neatly, or with proper tension.
How to Use
Common Phrases
きりっとした顔つき
sharp, resolute expression
きりっとした姿
smart, dignified appearance
きりっと冷えた
crisply chilled (of a beverage)
姿勢をきりっと正す
to straighten one's posture sharply
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance & Fashion | positive | Conveys that someone looks highly capable, professional, and well-groomed. |
| Food & Beverages | positive | A staple marketing buzzword for chilled white wine, draft beer, and cold sake, implying a delightfully crisp bite. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
しゃきっと しゃきっと / similar | Use when someone recovers from grogginess/fatigue and becomes alert, or to describe a crunchy texture. | きりっと focuses on the visual sharpness and dignified tension from the start, rather than the act of perking up from a tired state. | シャキッと目を覚ます |
きちんと きちんと / similar | Use when a task is done properly, accurately, or neatly according to rules. | While both can translate to 'neatly', きちんと is about doing things correctly and orderly, whereas きりっと is about looking visually sharp, taut, and elegant. | きちんと片付ける |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it simply to mean a room is clean or dirt-free.
Use words like きれい (kirei) for cleanliness. きりっと describes tension, sharpness, or smartly-fitted clothing.
Applying it to negative bodily tension, like a stiff neck.
きりっと implies positive, dignified tension. For painful bodily stiffness, use words like コリコリ (korikori).
Examples
Examples
彼らはきりっとしたスーツを着ている。
かれらは[きりっと]したすーつをきている。
They are wearing smartly tailored suits.
VisualShows a neat, professional appearance that fits perfectly.
彼女のきりっとした顔つきが印象的だ。
かのじょの[きりっと]したかおつきがいんしょうてきだ。
Her sharp, resolute expression is impressive.
VisualDescribes a focused facial expression full of determination and lacking hesitation.
この白ワインはきりっと冷えていて美味しい。
このしろわいんは[きりっと]ひえていておいしい。
This white wine is crisply chilled and delicious.
LiteralOften used for drinks served at the ideal cold temperature, making the taste sharp and refreshing.
大切な会議の前に、姿勢をきりっと正す。
たいせつなかいぎのまえに、しせいを[きりっと]ただす。
Before an important meeting, I straighten my posture sharply.
VisualIndicates the conscious act of removing slouching to look more professional.
口元をきりっと結んで、決意を見せた。
くちもとを[きりっと]むすんで、けついを見せた。
They closed their mouth firmly, showing their determination.
VisualClosing the lips tightly as a sign of deep concentration or holding back emotion.
Similar Words
シャキッと
shakitto
Describes a crisp texture in food, a sharp and alert state of mind, or a smart and upright posture. シャキッと also means crisp/alert, but focuses on recovering from fatigue or crunchy textures, while きりっと focuses on a dignified, taut appearance or attitude.
きちんと
kichinto
An adverb describing an action or state that is orderly, accurate, and in accordance with rules or expectations. きちんと means 'neatly/properly' in terms of doing tasks according to rules, whereas きりっと is about the taut, elegant visual aesthetic.
ピシッと
pishitto
ピシッと describes a sharp cracking sound, or an action performed firmly, strictly, and neatly without any looseness.
Questions
Can I use きりっと to compliment someone?
Yes, absolutely. Telling someone they look 'きりっとしている' is a great compliment meaning they look very smart, professional, and put-together.
What is the difference between きりっと and すっきり?
すっきり means feeling refreshed, uncluttered, or relieved. きりっと implies a sharp, tight, and focused tension.
Does きりっと imply strictness?
It can imply a strict, disciplined attitude when applied to someone's face or behavior, but it's generally seen as a respectable, dignified trait rather than mere harshness.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2173930
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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