Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Exactly" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "exactly", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
まさに
まさに (masani)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
きっかり
きっかり (kikkari)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "exactly" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between まさに and きっかり.
In Japanese, まさに (まさに (masani)) is typically associated with "exactly, precisely, truly, indeed" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Adverb. Emphasizes that something is exactly as described, or that a prediction has come true. Can convey a strong sense of 'it really is' or 'it truly is'..
On the other hand, きっかり (きっかり (kikkari)) maps to "exactly, precisely" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "exactly" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "まさに"
彼が言ったことは、まさにその通りだった。
What he said was exactly right.
Bilingual Context for "きっかり"
私はきっかりに興味があります。
I am interested in exactly, precisely.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼が言ったことは、 ＿＿＿ その通りだった。" (Meaning: "What he said was exactly right.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "まさに" fits here because it means "exactly, precisely, truly, indeed" in the context of: "What he said was exactly right.". "きっかり" represents "exactly, precisely".