ろくに

• Reading: ろくに
• Romaji: rokuni
• Kanji breakdown: 碌 (roku) — mediocre, ordinary (kanji form 碌に is rarely used)
• Pronunciation: /ɾo.kɯ.ni/

Meaning

(Not) well; (not) properly; (not) enough. Always used with negation to express insufficiency.

An adverb that must be followed by a negative form: ろくに～ない (cannot properly ~). Expresses dissatisfaction or criticism about something being done inadequately: ろくに寝ていない (have not slept properly), ろくに勉強しない (does not study properly). Colloquial and slightly critical in tone.

Examples

1. 忙しくてろくに食事も取れなかった。 I was so busy I couldn't even eat a proper meal.
2. 彼はろくに説明もせずに帰ってしまった。 He left without even giving a decent explanation.
3. ろくに練習しないで試合に出るのは無謀だ。 Going into a game without practicing properly is reckless.

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, complaints, daily life

Tone: critical

Origin & History

Written in kanji as 碌に, from 碌 (roku, mediocre/ordinary). Originally meant 'in an ordinary/proper way,' and with negation became 'not even in an ordinary way' — falling below basic standards.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal