Entry
しっかり
shikkari
Describes a state of being firm, secure, or doing something thoroughly and reliably.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
Shikkari is a versatile word used to describe physical firmness, such as holding on tightly or a sturdy structure. It also extends metaphorically to mean doing an action thoroughly and properly, or describing a person who is mature, levelheaded, and dependable.
- physical firmness
- thorough action
- reliable personality
Sense Map
Physical Firmness
Used when holding something tightly or describing something built sturdily and securely.
手をしっかり握る
Thorough Action
Used when doing something properly, sufficiently, or working hard without cutting corners.
しっかり休む
Reliable Personality
Used to describe someone who is dependable, mature, and levelheaded.
しっかりした人
Usage Note
How to Use
しっかり（と） + verb
Used to modify an action, showing it is done firmly, properly, or sufficiently.
しっかりする
Used as a verb (often 'shikkari shite') to describe someone becoming steady, being reliable, or urging someone to pull themselves together.
しっかりした + noun
Used to describe a noun that is physically sturdy or a person who is dependable and mature.
How to Use
Common Phrases
しっかり握る
to hold tightly
しっかりした人
a dependable person
しっかり食べる
to eat properly
しっかり休む
to rest well
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical actions (holding, tying) | neutral | Implies there is no slack, looseness, or instability. |
| Describing people | positive | A compliment meaning the person is responsible, mature, and won't make careless mistakes. |
| Daily habits (eating, resting) | positive | Encourages doing the action sufficiently to gain full benefit, often used when advising someone to take care of themselves. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
がっしり がっしり / similar | Use to describe something that has a massive, solid, and physically robust build. | Unlike shikkari, gasshiri is only for physical robustness and cannot be used for holding tightly, doing actions properly, or describing a reliable personality. | がっしりした体 |
ちゃんと ちゃんと / similar | Use when an action is done correctly according to expectations or rules. | While both can mean doing something properly, chanto focuses on meeting standards, whereas shikkari emphasizes firmness, thoroughness, or intensity of the action. | ちゃんと片付ける |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using shikkari to mean 'completely' as in forgetting something entirely.
Use sukkari for 'completely' (like sukkari wasureta). Shikkari means firmly or thoroughly.
Using shikkari instead of chanto just because something is done correctly.
If you simply follow the rules, it is chanto. If you do it with solid effort and thoroughness, it is shikkari.
Examples
Examples
ロープをしっかり結ぶ。
ロープをしっかりむすぶ。
To tie the rope tightly.
LiteralDescribes a physical action with no looseness.
この椅子はしっかりしている。
このいすはしっかりしている。
This chair is sturdy.
VisualDescribes a structure that is stable and not easily broken.
彼女はとてもしっかりした人だ。
かのじょはとてもしっかりしたひとだ。
She is a very dependable person.
FigurativeUsed as a compliment for maturity and reliability.
朝ご飯をしっかり食べる。
あさごはんをしっかりたべる。
To eat a proper breakfast.
LiteralEmphasizes doing a daily activity sufficiently.
将来のためにしっかり勉強する。
しょうらいのためにしっかりべんきょうする。
To study hard for the future.
LiteralPutting in full effort without slacking off.
Similar Words
ちゃんと
chanto
A colloquial adverb expressing that an action is performed correctly, properly, or reliably according to expectations. Shows an action done correctly according to standards, whereas shikkari emphasizes firmness and thoroughness.
がっしり
gasshiri
Describing a person with a solid, muscular build or an object with a sturdy, durable construction. Used only for physical robustness (like a building or body), not for personality or actions.
すっかり
sukkari
Indicates that a state has changed 100% or that an action has been carried out with absolutely nothing left behind.
Questions
Can I use shikkari to describe a person?
Yes, saying someone is shikkari shiteiru means they are reliable, mature, and levelheaded.
What is the difference between shikkari and chanto?
Shikkari focuses on thoroughness, firmness, and strong effort. Chanto focuses on doing something correctly, properly, or as expected by others.
Can it be used for resting or eating?
Yes, shikkari yasumu or shikkari taberu means to rest or eat sufficiently and thoroughly to recover your energy.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1594400
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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