Entry
ぴったり
pittari
Describes things that fit perfectly, match exactly, or an action that stops completely.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A versatile word used when physical objects fit tightly without gaps, when abstract concepts or answers match exactly, or when movement or sound comes to a sudden and complete halt.
- fitting perfectly
- matching exactly
- stopping suddenly
Sense Map
Perfect Fit
Used when things like clothes, puzzle pieces, or people's personalities match or fit together without any gaps or awkwardness.
サイズがぴったり合う
Exactness & Accuracy
Used when calculations, timing, predictions, or answers are completely correct with no deviation.
予想がぴったり当たる
Sudden Halt
Used when a movement, sound (like crying or wind), or action stops suddenly and entirely.
泣き声をぴったり止める
Usage Note
How to Use
ぴったり(と) + verb
Used as an adverb to describe how an action is performed, such as stopping suddenly or fitting closely.
ぴったりだ
Used at the end of a sentence to state that something is a perfect fit or match.
ぴったり(な) + noun
Used as a na-adjective to describe something or someone as the perfect choice or match.
ぴったりする
Used as a suru-verb to mean to become a perfect fit, though it is less common than the other forms.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ぴったり合う
to fit perfectly / to match exactly
ぴったり止まる
to stop completely and suddenly
息がぴったり合う
to be in perfect sync
サイズがぴったりだ
the size is just right
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Clothes fitting | positive | Implies the item looks like it was made for the wearer, giving a satisfying feeling. |
| Stopping movement | neutral | Describes a sudden, complete cessation of action without lingering or gradual slowing down. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぴたっと ぴたっと / similar | When emphasizing the exact moment or suddenness of an action stopping or things sticking together. | The word ぴたっと focuses on the sudden moment or momentum of an action, whereas ぴったり focuses more on the resulting state of perfect alignment or suitability. | ぴたっと止まる |
きっちり きっちり / similar | When describing things being done properly, exactly according to rules or limits, or packed tightly. | The word きっちり emphasizes neatness, strictness, or doing things properly, while ぴったり emphasizes perfect suitability or matching. | 時間をきっちり守る |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for objective or scientific accuracy (like accurate data), where 正確 (seikaku) should be used.
ぴったり is more conversational and feeling-based (it fits just right). Use formal terms for technical accuracy.
Confusing it with ぎっしり (gisshiri), which means tightly packed.
ぴったり means perfectly fitted or matched, not necessarily crammed full.
Examples
Examples
服のサイズがぴったりだ。
ふくのサイズがぴったりだ。
The clothes fit perfectly.
VisualShows that the clothes fit the body perfectly.
車がぴったり止まった。
くるまがぴったりとまった。
The car stopped suddenly.
VisualEmphasizes that the car came to a sudden and complete stop.
二人は息がぴったり合っている。
ふたりはいきがぴったりあっている。
The two of them are in perfect sync.
FigurativeA figurative expression for people who are perfectly in sync with each other.
答えがぴったり一致した。
こたえがぴったりいっちした。
The answers matched exactly.
LiteralStates that the outcomes or answers match exactly.
君にぴったりの仕事だ。
きみにぴったりのしごとだ。
It is the perfect job for you.
FigurativeMeans the job perfectly suits their skills or personality.
Similar Words
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. Emphasizes the sudden moment something stops.
きっちり
kicchiri
Describes a state where something is exact, fits perfectly without looseness, or is done thoroughly and properly. Focuses more on neatness and strict adherence to rules.
Questions
Can ぴったり be used for compatibility between people?
Yes, it is very commonly used for partners or teammates who are in perfect sync, such as in the phrase 息がぴったり合う.
Is the particle と required in ぴったりと?
No, と is optional. Adding it makes the adverbial sense slightly more formal or puts a bit more emphasis on the verb that follows.
What is the difference between ぴったり and ぴったし?
The word ぴったし is just a casual, colloquial pronunciation of ぴったり. It means exactly the same thing but should not be used in formal situations or writing.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1010900
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- ぴちぴち (pichipichi)
- Next entry
- ぴょんぴょん (pyonpyon)