Entry
ぴっちり
picchiri
ぴっちり (picchiri) describes a physical state with zero gaps, slack, or extra space.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word focuses on something fitting tightly or being closed perfectly. It is commonly used to describe clothing that clings closely to the body or containers and windows that are sealed completely without letting any air or space through.
- tight-fitting clothing
- sealing without gaps
- packing tightly
Sense Map
Clothing & Fabric
Clothes fitting very tightly to the body with no looseness.
ぴっちりした服を着る。
Sealing & Closing
Closing a container, window, or door completely so there are no gaps.
蓋をぴっちり閉める。
Packing
Packing or stuffing things closely together without leaving empty spaces.
箱にぴっちり詰める。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぴっちり（と） + verb
Used to describe the action of closing or fitting something tightly.
ぴっちりする
Used as a verb to indicate that something is physically tight or snug.
ぴっちりした + noun
Describes a noun that has a tight or gapless quality, such as tight clothing.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぴっちり閉める
to close tightly
ぴっちり詰める
to pack snugly
ぴっちりした服
tight clothes
ドアをぴっちり
door tightly closed
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Wearing clothes | neutral | Can be neutral (like wearing a wetsuit) or imply that normal clothing is too tight/skin-tight. |
| Closing containers | positive | Indicates an ideal state where a lid is perfectly sealed, keeping contents secure. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぴったり ぴったり / similar | When something is the perfect size, or when two things match abstractly or physically. | ぴったり can mean "perfect/ideal" (e.g., a perfect job), whereas ぴっちり is strictly for physical tightness or gaplessness. | 息がぴったり合う。 |
きっちり きっちり / similar | When doing something accurately, neatly, or punctually without cutting corners. | きっちり focuses on precision and strictness (e.g., splitting a bill evenly), not on physical tightness or lack of physical gaps. | きっちり半分に分ける。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ぴっちり to say an idea or opinion is a perfect match.
Use ぴったり. ぴっちり is only used for physical objects that are tight or sealed.
Using ぴっちり for being exactly on time.
Use きっちり or ぴったり for time. ぴっちり is not used for temporal precision.
Examples
Examples
彼はぴっちりしたシャツを着ている。
かれはぴっちりしたシャツをきている。
He is wearing a very tight shirt.
VisualShows clothing that tightly clings to the body.
タッパーの蓋をぴっちり閉めて、冷蔵庫に入れた。
タッパーのふたをぴっちりしめて、れいぞうこにいれた。
I closed the plastic container lid tightly and put it in the fridge.
LiteralShows a lack of gaps to prevent air from entering.
スーツケースに荷物をぴっちり詰めた。
スーツケースににもつをぴっちりつめた。
I packed my luggage snugly into the suitcase.
LiteralShows items arranged without leaving empty spaces.
窓をぴっちりと閉めたので、風の音は聞こえない。
まどをぴっちりとしめたので、かぜのおとはきこえない。
Because I closed the window tightly, I can't hear the sound of the wind.
LiteralUses the particle "to" to emphasize the perfect seal.
この靴はサイズが小さくて、足にぴっちりしすぎている。
このくつはサイズがちいさくて、あしにぴっちりしすぎている。
These shoes are a small size and fit too tightly on the feet.
LiteralUsed as a verb (suru) to describe something being too tight.
Similar Words
ぴったり
pittari
Describes things that fit perfectly, match exactly, or an action that stops completely. Broader, can mean an abstract perfect match or ideal fit.
きっちり
kicchiri
Describes a state where something is exact, fits perfectly without looseness, or is done thoroughly and properly. Focuses on accuracy and precision (e.g., splitting something exactly).
Questions
What is the difference between ぴっちり and ぴったり?
ぴっちり focuses strictly on the physical lack of gaps or slack (very tight/sealed). ぴったり is broader and can mean an abstract match or a perfect, ideal fit.
Can I use ぴっちり to describe two people who are very close?
Not usually. Use ぴったり or 仲が良い for relationships. ぴっちり is for physical objects.
Does ぴっちりした服 mean the clothes look good?
Not necessarily. It just means they fit very tightly to the body. It could mean they are appropriately snug protective gear, or simply too small.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2454510
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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