Entry
とっくり
tokkuri
とっくり (tokkuri) means doing something with full attention, deliberation, and without rushing, particularly when thinking or talking.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes the manner of focusing completely to think about, examine, or discuss something deeply. It implies taking one's time to ensure clarity and thoroughness, rather than acting hastily or superficially.
- thinking deeply
- discussing seriously
Sense Map
Thinking & Examining
Thinking or observing something with full concentration and taking ample time.
とっくりと考える
Speaking & Discussing
Discussing or explaining something thoroughly and seriously.
とっくりと話し合う
Usage Note
How to Use
とっくり + verb
Modifies a cognitive or communicative verb to show that the action is done carefully and unhurriedly.
とっくりと + verb
The exact same meaning, but the added particle 'to' makes it slightly more emphatic regarding the manner of the action.
How to Use
Common Phrases
とっくりと考える
to think thoroughly
とっくりと話し合う
to discuss thoroughly
とっくりと観察する
to observe carefully
とっくりと聞く
to listen carefully
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Thinking (Cognitive) | neutral | Indicates a deep, unhurried thought process aimed at reaching a well-reasoned conclusion. |
| Discussing | neutral | Used when engaging in a long, serious discussion to ensure mutual understanding. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
じっくり じっくり / similar | Very similar and far more commonly used in modern daily life to mean 'slowly and carefully' (e.g., when thinking or cooking). | とっくり has a slightly more old-fashioned or literary nuance and is mostly limited to cognitive and communicative actions. | じっくり考える |
つくづく つくづく / similar | Used when feeling something deeply or realizing something keenly from the bottom of one's heart. | つくづく focuses on the depth of emotion or realization, whereas とっくり focuses on the unhurried thoroughness of an action. | つくづく嫌になる |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Confusing it with the noun meaning 'sake pitcher' or 'turtleneck sweater'.
While they sound identical (they are homonyms), as an adverb, とっくり simply means 'thoroughly' or 'carefully' and has nothing to do with those physical objects.
Using it for quick or forceful physical actions.
It is used for actions that require time and thoroughness (like thinking or discussing), not for running, jumping, or striking.
Examples
Examples
とっくりと考えた結果、この仕事を引き受けることにした。
とっくりとかんがえたけっか、このしごとをひきうけることにした。
After thinking it over thoroughly, I decided to accept this job.
LiteralIndicates a deep, unhurried cognitive process.
今夜は二人でとっくりと話し合おう。
こんやはふたりでとっくりとはなしあおう。
Let's discuss this thoroughly between the two of us tonight.
LiteralDescribes an in-depth discussion without distractions.
相手の顔をとっくりと観察する。
あいてのかおをとっくりとかんさつする。
Observing the other person's face carefully.
VisualIndicates the action of looking or observing details carefully.
まずは事情をとっくりと聞かせてください。
まずはじじょうをとっくりときかせてください。
First, please let me listen carefully to the situation.
LiteralUsed when asking someone to explain something in full detail.
その件については、後でとっくり相談しよう。
そのけんについては、あとでとっくりそうだんしよう。
Let's consult seriously about that matter later.
LiteralUsage without the particle 'to', retaining the exact same meaning.
Similar Words
じっくり
jikkuri
This word means to take one's time to do something thoroughly and carefully without rushing. Has a very similar meaning ('carefully', 'without rushing') and is much more commonly used in daily life.
つくづく
tsukuzuku
"Tsukuzuku" means to deeply feel or realize something, often after careful reflection or extended observation. Focuses on feeling something deeply or realizing something keenly from the bottom of one's heart.
つらつら
tsuratsura
Carefully, deeply, and at length (usually when thinking or looking).
Questions
Is とっくり (tokkuri) the same as the sake bottle?
It sounds identical to the noun for a sake pitcher (or a turtleneck sweater), but as an adverb, it means 'thoroughly' or 'carefully'. They are homonyms that function differently in a sentence.
When should I use じっくり (jikkuri) instead of とっくり (tokkuri)?
You should almost always use 'jikkuri' in everyday conversation. 'Tokkuri' sounds a bit older or more literary and is mostly limited to actions like thinking or talking.
Can I use it in formal business emails?
While understandable, it sounds a bit old-fashioned and slightly casual. In formal business settings, it is safer to use standard terms like 'jūbun ni' (十分に - fully) or 'shinchō ni' (慎重に - carefully).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2794950
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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