Entry
すっぱり
suppari
'Suppari' describes an action performed decisively, cleanly, and completely, without any hesitation.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
'Suppari' (すっぱり) is a Japanese adverb used to describe an action done decisively, without hesitation, and with complete finality. It applies to both abstract situations, like quitting a job or habit, and concrete actions, such as cutting something cleanly.
- Decisive and Final Action
- Clean Cut
Sense Map
Decisive and Final Action
To do something with a strong decision and without hesitation, completing it fully.
仕事をすっぱり辞めた
Clean and Swift Cut
To cut or snap something cleanly with a single stroke.
ロープをすっぱり切った
Usage Note
How to Use
NOUN + をすっぱり + VERB
Indicates that the VERB action is performed on the NOUN decisively and completely.
すっぱりと + VERB
Emphasizes the manner in which the VERB is performed, with 'と' adding to the sense of firmness.
すっぱり + VERB
Denotes that the VERB is done decisively, cleanly, or without hesitation.
How to Use
Common Phrases
仕事をすっぱり辞める
To quit a job decisively
借金をすっぱり清算する
To clear one's debts completely
タバコをすっぱりやめる
To quit smoking altogether
ナイフでリンゴをすっぱり切る
To cut an apple cleanly with a knife
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Quitting a job/habit | Neutral/Positive | Emphasizes a resolute decision and no intention of returning. |
| Cutting/Breaking | Neutral | Describes a clean, decisive cut or break. |
| Making a decision | Positive/Neutral | Indicates firmness and conviction in the decision. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ばっさり ばっさり / contrast | Used for drastic physical cuts, such as cutting hair or branches. | Emphasizes drastic or heavy physical cutting, rather than abstract decisiveness like 'suppari'. | 髪をばっさり切った。 |
きっぱり きっぱり / similar | Used for stating a firm refusal or decision, often in contexts of rejecting offers or ending relationships. | Focuses more on the firmness of verbal rejection or decision, whereas 'suppari' can encompass a broader range of actions. | 誘いをきっぱり断った。 |
さっぱり さっぱり / similar | Used to describe a feeling of refreshment, neatness, cleanness, or a noticeable weight loss. | Unlike 'suppari' which means decisive/complete, 'sukkiri' relates more to cleanliness, tidiness, or a sense of relief. | 部屋がすっきりした。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using 'suppari' for uncertain or gradual actions.
'Suppari' emphasizes decisiveness and complete finality. Use other words for uncertain actions.
Confusing 'suppari' with 'kantan ni' (easily).
'Suppari' is about decisiveness and completion, not ease. An action can be decisive yet difficult.
Using 'suppari' solely to describe a feeling of relief.
While it can imply relief, 'suppari' primarily focuses on the decisive and complete nature of the action itself.
Examples
Examples
彼はタバコをすっぱりやめた。
かれはタバコをすっぱりやめた。
He quit smoking altogether.
LiteralEmphasizes a firm decision to quit.
借金をすっぱり清算した。
しゃっきんをすっぱりせいさんした。
The debt was cleared completely.
LiteralIndicates total settlement with no remainder.
ナイフでリンゴをすっぱり切った。
ナイフでリンゴをすっぱりきった。
The apple was cut cleanly with a knife.
VisualEmphasizes a clean and precise cut.
彼は古い関係をすっぱり断ち切った。
かれはふるいかんけいをすっぱりたちきった。
He severed the old relationship completely.
FigurativeDescribes a decisive severance of ties.
彼は昔の仕事をすっぱり忘れた。
かれはむかしのしごとをすっぱりわすれた。
He completely forgot about his old job.
FigurativeEmphasizes total forgetting.
Similar Words
ばっさり
bassari
Bassari describes the action of cutting something completely, cleanly, and without hesitation in a single swift motion. Drastic physical cutting.
きっぱり
kippari
Doing something in a clean, firm, and unambiguous way without hesitation. Firm refusal or decision.
さっぱり
sappari
Describes a clean and unburdened state, such as feeling refreshed, having a light taste, or completely lacking something when used with a negative verb. Feeling refreshed, neat, clean.
Questions
What is the main meaning of すっぱり (suppari)?
Its main meaning is to do something decisively, without hesitation, and with complete finality, often in the context of quitting something or making a firm decision.
How does すっぱり (suppari) differ from ばっさり (bassari)?
Both can mean cutting decisively. 'Bassari' is more commonly used for drastic physical cuts (hair, branches), while 'suppari' has a broader application, including decisions like quitting a job, as well as clean physical cuts.
How does すっぱり (suppari) differ from さっぱり (sappari)?
'Sappari' is used to describe a feeling of refreshment, neatness, or cleanness, unlike 'suppari' which means decisive or complete.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1006150
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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