Entry
めちゃくちゃ
mechakucha
A state of total disorder or destruction, or a powerful intensifier used to emphasize an extreme degree of something.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Mechakucha carries two primary meanings. First, it describes a state where things are physically or logically in complete disarray, such as a room being a mess or a plan falling apart. Second, it functions as an adverbial intensifier in casual speech to mean 'extremely' or 'insanely'.
- Severe physical disorder or damage.
- Logical inconsistency or messy thoughts.
- Intense degree of emotion or quality.
Sense Map
Chaos and Destruction
Used when something is so broken or disorganized that its original form is unrecognizable.
地震で家がめちゃくちゃに壊れた。
Extreme Degree
Acts as an intensifier to show that a quality or emotion is far beyond the normal level.
この店の料理はめちゃくちゃ美味しい。
Usage Note
How to Use
めちゃくちゃだ
Used at the end of a sentence to state that a situation is completely messed up or nonsensical.
めちゃくちゃに
Functions as an adverb, often paired with verbs like kowareru (to break) to indicate total destruction.
めちゃくちゃな
めちゃくちゃ＋形容詞・動詞
How to Use
Common Phrases
めちゃくちゃに壊れる
to be smashed to pieces
部屋がめちゃくちゃだ
the room is a total mess
めちゃくちゃ忙しい
to be incredibly busy
めちゃくちゃな値段
an outrageous price
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Informal settings | Casual | Extremely common among friends and family for emphasis. |
| Physical damage | Highly descriptive | Suggests that the object is beyond simple repair. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
めちゃめちゃ めちゃめちゃ / similar | Used almost interchangeably with mechakucha, but sometimes carries a softer or more emotive nuance depending on the speaker. | Mechakucha can sound slightly more forceful or emphasize physical ruin more strongly than mechamecha. | めちゃめちゃ嬉しい。 |
ばらばら ばらばら / similar | Used when things are scattered or have come apart into separate pieces. | Barabara focuses on the separation of parts, while mechakucha focuses on the resulting chaos and loss of order. | 家族がばらばらに住んでいる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using mechakucha in a formal business report.
Use more formal terms like 'hijou ni' or 'taihen' instead.
Thinking mechakucha is only for bad things.
It is frequently used for positive things as an intensifier, like 'mechakucha oishii' (insanely delicious).
Examples
Examples
Ｂ君の作文はめちゃくちゃだ。
Ｂくんのさくぶんはめちゃくちゃだ。
Student B's composition is a total mess.
LiteralRefers to a piece of writing that lacks structure or has many mistakes.
地震で家がめちゃくちゃに壊れた。
じしんでいえがめちゃくちゃにこわれた。
The house was completely destroyed by the earthquake.
VisualDescribes severe physical damage where the structure is lost.
あの店はめちゃくちゃな値段をつけている。
あのみせはめちゃくちゃなねだんをつけている。
That shop is charging unreasonable prices.
FigurativePrices that are significantly higher or lower than normal.
試験に合格してめちゃくちゃ嬉しい。
しけんにごうかくしてめちゃくちゃうれしい。
I'm incredibly happy that I passed the exam.
FigurativeUsed to emphasize a very high level of emotion.
あの赤い車、めちゃくちゃかっこよくない？
あのあかいくるま、めちゃくちゃかっこよくない？
That red car is incredibly cool, don't you think?
FigurativeA negative question form used to seek agreement.
Similar Words
めちゃめちゃ
mechamecha
Describes a completely chaotic or ruined state, or acts as an informal intensifier meaning 'extremely'. Used almost interchangeably with mechakucha, but sometimes carries a softer or more emotive nuance depending on the speaker. Mechakucha can sound slightly more forceful or emphasize physical ruin more strongly than mechamecha.
バラバラ
barabara
Describes a state of being scattered, broken into separate pieces, or lacking unity among a group. Used when things are scattered or have come apart into separate pieces. Barabara focuses on the separation of parts, while mechakucha focuses on the resulting chaos and loss of order.
Questions
Is mechakucha the same as metcha?
Metcha is a shortened, more slangy version of mechakucha, common in youth speech.
Can I use it with my boss?
It's better to avoid it as it is very casual. Use 'taihen' or 'hijou ni' to be safe.
Does it mean the same as 'crazy' in English?
In many contexts, yes, both in the sense of 'this is crazy (messed up)' and 'it's crazy hot (extremely hot)'.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 965714768
- Source
- Internal
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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