Entry
めちゃめちゃ
mechamecha
Describes a completely chaotic or ruined state, or acts as an informal intensifier meaning 'extremely'.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A versatile word used to describe a situation, object, or concept that is completely chaotic, disordered, or ruined. In casual speech, it is also very frequently used as a strong intensifier, meaning 'extremely' or 'very', placed before adjectives or verbs.
- chaotic state
- extreme degree (intensifier)
Sense Map
Chaotic / Messed up
Describes things that are in a state of chaos, disorder, or completely ruined.
めちゃめちゃな話
Extremely (Intensifier)
Used casually to emphasize a degree, meaning 'very' or 'extremely'.
めちゃめちゃ美味しい
Usage Note
How to Use
めちゃめちゃな〜
Modifies a noun to describe it as chaotic, unreasonable, or a mess.
めちゃめちゃに〜
Used with a verb to describe an action that results in a state of ruin or chaos.
めちゃめちゃ〜
Functions as an adverbial intensifier meaning 'extremely' modifying the following word.
How to Use
Common Phrases
めちゃめちゃにされる
to be completely ruined
めちゃめちゃな働き方
chaotic way of working
めちゃめちゃ勉強になる
to learn a lot / be extremely educational
めちゃめちゃ悔しい
extremely frustrating
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Reacting to delicious food | Enthusiastic and casual | Saying 'めちゃめちゃ美味しい' is a very natural, enthusiastic reaction among friends. |
| Describing a broken object | Negative and dramatic | Using 'めちゃめちゃに壊れた' emphasizes that it is shattered or completely unrepairable. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
めちゃくちゃ めちゃくちゃ / similar | Can be used almost interchangeably with めちゃめちゃ in both the 'chaotic' and 'extremely' senses. | The meaning is essentially identical, though めちゃくちゃ might sound slightly sharper or more common depending on the region. | めちゃくちゃ美味しい |
はちゃめちゃ はちゃめちゃ / similar | Used more specifically for actions or situations that are wild, unruly, or breaking the rules. | Not commonly used as a simple degree intensifier like めちゃめちゃ. | はちゃめちゃな行動 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using めちゃめちゃ in formal business settings.
It is highly casual. Use 'とても' or '大変' in formal contexts instead.
Confusing its two main usages.
Pay attention to whether it's followed by 'な/に' (meaning 'chaotic/ruined') or directly modifying an adjective (meaning 'extremely').
Examples
Examples
めちゃめちゃな働き方すると絶対体を壊します。
めちゃめちゃな はたらきかた すると ぜったい からだ を こわします。
Working in such a chaotic way will definitely ruin your health.
FigurativeDescribes a way of working that is disorganized, unreasonable, or overworked.
私の人生、彼女にめちゃめちゃにされた。
わたし の じんせい、 かのじょ に めちゃめちゃ に された。
My life was completely ruined by her.
FigurativeEmphasizes that someone's life was totally wrecked or destroyed.
宗教勧誘の人が言っている内容はめちゃめちゃな話だった。
しゅうきょう かんゆう の ひと が いって いる ないよう は めちゃめちゃ な はなし だった。
What the religious proselytizer was saying was complete nonsense.
FigurativeDescribes a story or explanation that is illogical, crazy, or all over the place.
講義を聞いてめちゃめちゃ勉強になりました。
こうぎ を きいて めちゃめちゃ べんきょう に なりました。
I learned an incredible amount by listening to the lecture.
FigurativeUsed here as an intensifier meaning 'extremely' or 'very' helpful.
負けたのがめちゃめちゃ悔しかったので、練習もっと頑張ります。
まけた の が めちゃめちゃ くやしかった ので、 れんしゅう もっと がんばります。
I was extremely frustrated about losing, so I'll work harder on practicing.
LiteralEmphasizes the strong degree of the emotion (frustration).
Similar Words
はちゃめちゃ
はちゃめちゃ
Used more specifically for actions or situations that are wild, unruly, or breaking the rules. Not commonly used as a simple degree intensifier like めちゃめちゃ.
Questions
Is there a difference between めちゃめちゃ and めちゃくちゃ?
In modern casual usage, they are practically identical and interchangeable. Both mean 'messed up' or 'extremely'.
Can I use めちゃめちゃ with positive words?
Yes, when used as an intensifier, it is very common to use it with positive words like 'fun' or 'delicious'.
Is めちゃめちゃ polite?
No, it is a casual, spoken expression. Avoid using it with superiors or in formal business emails.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 891406829
- Source
- Internal
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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