じっくり
jikkuri
On-mim N1Adv

Meaning

  1. (slowly and) carefully
  2. without haste
  3. thoroughly

About This Word

Jikkuri expresses the manner of doing something slowly, deliberately, and with great care. It conveys a sense of taking one's time to ensure thoroughness and avoid mistakes, often implying a thoughtful or considered approach. Visually, you might imagine someone meticulously examining an object, savoring a meal, or dedicating focused attention to a task, all without rushing. The overall feeling is one of patience, diligence, and a commitment to quality.

In everyday Japanese, jikkuri is commonly used as an adverb, frequently paired with the particle 'to' followed by the verb 'suru'. For example, 'jikkuri to kangaeru' means 'to think carefully and thoroughly'. It can also modify other verbs directly to describe the thoroughness of the action. This word appears frequently in both spoken and written Japanese and isn't limited to any particular genre, though it might be slightly less common in very casual slang. You'll encounter it in news articles, novels, everyday conversations, and even instructions.

For English learners, jikkuri presents a nuance that might not be perfectly captured by a single English word. While 'thoroughly' or 'carefully' come close, they don't fully encompass the element of 'slowly' and 'without haste' that jikkuri implies. There isn't a direct, culturally ingrained association with this word in English-speaking contexts. To remember it, consider associating it with activities that require focused attention and patience, such as a tea ceremony or studying a complex subject. Try practicing sentences like 'Jikkuri to ryokou no keikaku o tatemasu' (I will carefully plan my trip). This reinforces the adberbial usage.

Word Info

Japaneseじっくり
Romajijikkuri
TypeOn-mim (Onomatopoeic & Mimetic)
Part of SpeechAdverb (fukushi)
JLPT LevelJLPT N1
SourceJisho

About On-mim

General onomatopoeic and mimetic expressions from the Japanese lexicon.

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