しっかり

• Reading: しっかり
• Romaji: shikkari
• Pronunciation: /ɕik.ka.ɾi/

Meaning

Tightly; firmly; securely; properly. Describes doing something with steadiness and reliability.

An adverb with a wide range of uses. Physical: しっかり持つ (hold tightly). Mental: しっかりしている (to be level-headed/reliable). Effort: しっかり勉強する (study thoroughly). Also used as encouragement: しっかりしなさい (pull yourself together). Functions as an adverb, adverb-to, or suru-verb depending on context.

Examples

1. 手すりをしっかり持ってください。 Please hold on to the handrail firmly.
2. 試験の前にしっかり勉強しなさい。 Study thoroughly before the exam.
3. 朝ごはんをしっかり食べてから出かけましょう。 Let's eat a proper breakfast before heading out.

Usage Guide

Context: encouragement, daily life, instructions

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Written 確り in kanji, where 確 (kaku/tashi) means certain or firm. The っ gemination adds emphasis. Originally described physical firmness before expanding to mental steadiness and thoroughness.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal