ちゃんと

• Reading: ちゃんと
• Romaji: chanto
• Pronunciation: /tɕa.ɴ.to/

Meaning

Properly; correctly; neatly. Doing something the right way without cutting corners.

An adverb emphasizing that something is done properly, fully, or as expected. Also functions as a suru verb: ちゃんとする (to behave properly, to be presentable). Common in everyday speech: ちゃんと食べる (to eat properly), ちゃんと聞く (to listen carefully). Often used by parents to children. Slightly casual; きちんと is a more formal equivalent.

Examples

1. 宿題をちゃんとやってから遊びなさい。 Finish your homework properly before you play.
2. 食事はちゃんと三食食べたほうがいい。 You should eat three proper meals a day.
3. 説明をちゃんと聞いていなかったので間違えた。 I made a mistake because I wasn't listening properly.

Usage Guide

Context: family, daily life, parenting

Tone: instructive

Origin & History

An onomatopoeia-derived adverb from the Edo period. Possibly from the sound of things being arranged neatly or placed firmly. The casual tone has been consistent throughout its history.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal