Entry
ぽっきり
pokkiri
Describes a clean snap of a hard object, or an exact amount with nothing extra added.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word has two main distinct uses. First, it describes a hard, brittle object (like a twig or a bone) snapping cleanly into two pieces. Second, it attaches to quantities, especially prices or occurrences, to mean 'exactly' or 'merely', emphasizing that there are no additional costs or instances.
- cleanly snapping
- exact quantity/price limit
Sense Map
Snapping Cleanly
Describes something hard and brittle breaking into two pieces sharply and cleanly.
枝がぽっきりと折れる。
Exact Amount or Limit
Used after a noun of quantity, time, or price to emphasize that it is exactly that amount, no more and no less.
千円ぽっきりで買える。
Usage Note
How to Use
ぽっきり(と) + Verb (e.g., 折れる)
Modifies verbs related to breaking to show a clean, sudden snap.
Noun (Quantity/Price) + ぽっきり
Directly follows a number or amount to signify 'exactly' or 'only'.
Noun (Quantity/Price) + ぽっきり + だ/です
Directly follows a number or amount to signify 'exactly' or 'only'.
How to Use
Common Phrases
枝がぽっきりと折れる
a branch snaps cleanly
千円ぽっきり
exactly 1,000 yen (no extra fees)
骨がぽっきり折れた
a bone broke cleanly
一度ぽっきり
only once / just the one time
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Breaking | neutral | Indicates a clean, complete break, usually into two pieces. |
| Prices and Amounts | colloquial | Often used in advertisements or casual conversation to highlight a neat, all-inclusive price. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぽきっと ぽきっと / similar | Focuses on the light, sharp sound made when a thin object (like a small twig or a cracker) is snapped. | While both describe breaking, 'pokkiri' emphasizes the state of being completely broken in two, whereas 'pokitto' focuses on the sound of the snap itself. | 枝がポキッと折れる |
きっかり きっかり / similar | Used to express strict exactness in time, weight, or numbers. | 'Kikkari' simply means 'precisely' (e.g., exactly 8 o'clock). 'Pokkiri' carries a nuance of limitation or finality ('only this much, no more'), and is often used colloquially for prices. | ８時きっかり |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ぽっきり for exact times of day (e.g., 3時ぽっきり).
For an exact time on the clock, use ぴったり (pittari) or きっかり (kikkari). ぽっきり is used for a duration or price acting as a limit (e.g., 1時間ぽっきり - exactly one hour/only one hour).
Using it to describe tearing paper or soft fabrics.
It only applies to hard, stiff objects that can snap.
Examples
Examples
強風で木の枝がぽっきりと折れてしまった。
きょうふう で き の えだ が ぽっきりと おれて しまった。
The tree branch snapped cleanly in two due to the strong wind.
VisualShows a branch completely snapping into two separate pieces.
このカバンは、たったの千円ぽっきりです。
この カバン は、 たった の せんえん ぽっきり です。
This bag is exactly 1,000 yen (with no extra fees).
FigurativeA promotional use to emphasize the exact, all-inclusive price.
転んだ拍子に、腕の骨がぽっきり折れた。
ころんだ ひょうし に、 うで の ほね が ぽっきり おれた。
When they fell, their arm bone broke cleanly.
VisualDescribes a severe, clean bone break.
彼と会ったのは、あの時の一度ぽっきりだ。
かれ と あった の は、 あの とき の いちど ぽっきり だ。
I only met him that one single time.
FigurativeEmphasizes that the event only happened once and never again.
力を入れすぎて、鉛筆の芯がぽっきりと折れた。
ちから を いれすぎて、 えんぴつ の しん が ぽっきりと おれた。
Because I pressed too hard, the pencil lead snapped off cleanly.
VisualA common example of a small, brittle object breaking cleanly.
Similar Words
ポキッと
pokitto
The light, crisp sound of something long, thin, and hard snapping cleanly in two. Focuses on the light sound of the snap.
きっかり
kikkari
A word indicating an exact amount or point in time with no deviation or surplus. Indicates pure exactness (time/numbers) without the limiting nuance of pokkiri.
Questions
Is 'pokkiri' common in everyday speech?
Yes, especially in the context of money, like hearing 'sen-en pokkiri' (exactly 1000 yen) at a market.
Can I use it for breaking a promise?
No, it is used for physical objects breaking or for quantities. Breaking a promise does not use this word.
What's the difference between 'pokitto' and 'pokkiri' for breaking?
'Pokitto' is the sound of the snap. 'Pokkiri' is the visual result of it cleanly breaking into two.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1011990
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- Needs review
- Active language
- English
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