Entry
ズバリ
zubari
An adverb describing the act of speaking directly to the core of an issue without hesitation, or guessing something with perfect accuracy.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
ズバリ is used when someone voices their thoughts, asks a question, or points something out plainly without beating around the bush. It is also commonly used when a guess or prediction hits the mark exactly.
- Speaking frankly
- Guessing correctly
Sense Map
Speaking frankly
Stating one's thoughts, questions, or facts directly without hesitation or sugarcoating.
ズバリ言う
Guessing exactly
Accurately guessing or pointing out a hidden truth or correct answer.
ズバリ当てる
Usage Note
How to Use
ズバリ言う
Used to describe speaking directly and plainly.
ズバリと + verb
The particle と is frequently added to smooth out the phonetic rhythm when attached to an action verb.
ズバリ当てる
Used to express that a guess or prediction was one hundred percent correct.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ズバリ言う
To say frankly
ズバリ当てる
To guess correctly
ズバリ聞く
To ask directly
ズバリ指摘する
To point out exactly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Stating an opinion | positive | Shows the speaker is brave enough to dispense with formalities to address the real issue. |
| Guessing a secret | neutral | Often conveys surprise or admiration when someone's intuition proves to be flawless. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
きっぱり きっぱり / nearby | When taking a firm, decisive stance, such as flatly refusing something. | きっぱり focuses on the firmness of a decision or attitude, while ズバリ focuses on cutting to the core of an issue in speech or guessing accurately. | きっぱりと断る。 |
ぴったり ぴったり / nearby | When things match perfectly in physical size, timing, or suitability. | ぴったり is about physical or situational matching, while ズバリ is about abstract accuracy, like hitting the psychological mark or uncovering truth. | 息がぴったり合う。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using ズバリ to describe a shirt that fits perfectly.
Use ぴったり for physical fit or sizing. ズバリ is reserved for abstract precision in speaking or guessing.
Adding な after it to use it as a na-adjective.
ズバリ is an adverb. It should be placed directly before a verb without a trailing な.
Examples
Examples
ズバリ言ってもいいですか。
ズバリいってもいいですか。
May I speak frankly?
FigurativeAsking permission before giving an honest opinion.
彼女は私の悩みをズバリと言い当てた。
かのじょはわたしのなやみをズバリといいあてた。
She guessed my worries exactly.
FigurativeDescribes someone's ability to read thoughts or situations accurately.
ズバリ聞くけど、彼のこと好きなの？
ズバリきくけど、かれのことすきなの？
I'll ask you directly, do you like him?
FigurativeUsed to ask a sensitive question without wasting time.
問題の核心をズバリ指摘する。
もんだいのかくしんをズバリしてきする。
To accurately point out the core of the problem.
FigurativeFocusing on the most important part without hesitation.
彼の予想はズバリ当たった。
かれのよそうはズバリあたった。
His prediction hit the mark exactly.
FigurativeShows that someone's prediction did not miss at all.
Similar Words
きっぱり
kippari
Doing something in a clean, firm, and unambiguous way without hesitation. Focuses on the firmness of an attitude or refusal.
ぴったり
pittari
Describes things that fit perfectly, match exactly, or an action that stops completely. Focuses on physical matching or situational suitability.
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.
きっかり
kikkari
A word indicating an exact amount or point in time with no deviation or surplus.
Questions
What is the difference between ズバリ and きっぱり?
ズバリ is about getting straight to the point or hitting the mark accurately. きっぱり is about making a clear, firm decision or refusal.
Is ズバリ polite to use with my boss?
Because it implies cutting through politeness, using it bluntly with a superior can sound rude. It is best prefaced with an apology for speaking frankly if you must use it in formal settings.
Is this word written with kanji?
No, it is purely a phonetic word written in either katakana or hiragana.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1006400
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- ずっしり (zusshiri)
- Next entry
- ずらっと (zuratto)