Entry
きっと
kitto
An adverb used to express strong subjective conviction that something will happen, or to describe a sharp, firm movement or expression.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Kitto is a high-frequency word with two main uses. Most commonly, it acts as an adverb of certainty (roughly 90% probability) based on the speaker's intuition or hope. In its mimetic sense (often written as キッと), it describes a sudden transition to a sharp or rigid state, such as a stern glare or the firm tightening of lips to show resolve.
- Expressing strong conviction or high probability about a situation.
- Describing a sharp, sudden, or rigid movement, especially in facial expressions.
Sense Map
Conviction and Prediction
Used when the speaker is very confident about an outcome, often carrying a tone of encouragement or personal belief.
きっと勝つ
Sharp Action or Expression
Describes a sudden, sharp change in facial expression or the physical tightening of something to remove slack.
キッと睨む
Usage Note
How to Use
きっと〜だ
Placed at the start of a sentence to emphasize the speaker's strong belief.
きっと〜だろう
A common pattern for making a confident prediction about the future.
キッと〜する
Describes doing an action (like looking) in a sharp or sudden manner.
口をきっと結ぶ
A set phrase meaning to purse one's lips firmly to show determination.
How to Use
Common Phrases
きっと来る
surely come
キッと睨む
glare sharply
口をきっと結ぶ
purse lips firmly
表情をきっとさせる
firm up one's expression
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Predictions | positive | Often used to offer comfort or express a hopeful, strong belief. |
| Glaring | negative | Indicates a sharp, aggressive, or stern look toward someone. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
必ず かならず / similar | Used for 100% objective certainty, requirements, or inevitable laws of nature. | Kitto is subjective and based on the speaker's judgment or desire. | 明日は必ず太陽が昇る。 |
きりっと きりっと / similar | Used to describe a crisp, neat appearance or a dignified, sharp presence. | Kitto focuses more on the sudden sharpness of a look or the strength of a conviction. | 制服をきりっと着こなす。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using kitto for logical or mathematical proofs.
Use kanarazu for objective facts. Kitto implies a degree of personal opinion.
Thinking it only means surely and ignoring the physical sharpness sense.
Remember the mimetic use for glares and tightening lips, which is very common in literature.
Examples
Examples
きっと彼は約束を守ってくれます。
きっとかれはやくそくをまもってくれます。
He will surely keep his promise.
LiteralExpresses strong conviction in someone.
叱られた子供が、キッとこちらを睨んだ。
しかられたこどもが、キッとこちらをにらんだ。
The child who was scolded glared sharply at me.
VisualDescribes a sudden change in a glare.
彼女は口をきっと結んで、山を登り始めた。
かのじょはくちをきっとむすんで、やまをのぼりはじめた。
She pursed her lips firmly and started climbing the mountain.
VisualShows determination through physical lip movement.
明日はきっといい天気になるだろう。
あしたはきっといいてんきになるだろう。
Tomorrow will surely be a nice day.
LiteralA weather prediction the speaker believes in.
注意を受けた学生は、表情をきっと正した。
ちゅういをうけたがくせいは、ひょうじょうをきっとただした。
The student who was warned immediately firmed up their expression.
FigurativeShows a change in attitude to being serious.
Similar Words
はっと
hatto
Hatto is an adverb describing surprise, sudden realization, or abrupt movement.
ぴたっと
pitatto
ぴたっと (pitatto) describes a sudden and complete stop, surfaces sticking tightly with no gaps, or things matching exactly.
きりっと
kiritto
Describes a smart and neat appearance, a sharp and resolute facial expression, or a crisp, well-chilled taste. Neat and dignified appearance or attitude.
カッと
katto
Expresses a sudden, high-intensity flare-up of emotion, light, heat, or a sharp physical movement like widening one's eyes.
Questions
What is the difference between kitto and kanarazu?
Kanarazu is for 100% objective certainty or necessity. Kitto is for strong subjective conviction (around 90%).
Why is it sometimes written in Katakana?
The katakana form emphasizes its role as an onomatopoeia describing a sharp, sudden change in expression or state.
Can kitto be used for objects?
Yes, it can describe something being tied or tightened extremely firmly without any slack.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1003430
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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