Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Remarkably" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "remarkably", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
めっきり
めっきり (mekkiri)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
めきめき
めきめき (mekimeki)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "remarkably" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between めっきり and めきめき.
In Japanese, めっきり (めっきり (mekkiri)) is typically associated with "remarkably; noticeably; significantly (of change)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies a noticeable or sudden change, often in weather, health, or an atmosphere. Usually indicates a significant decline or improvement. 天候、健康、雰囲気などが「はっきりと」「急に」変化したときに使います。.
On the other hand, めきめき (めきめき (mekimeki)) maps to "remarkably, rapidly (making progress, improving)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Emphasizes noticeable and rapid progress, improvement, or growth. Often used with 上達する. A literal translation of "remarkably" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "めっきり"
最近、父はめっきり老け込んだ。
Recently, my father has noticeably aged.
Bilingual Context for "めきめき"
彼は毎日練習したおかげで、英語の会話力がめきめき上達した。
Thanks to his daily practice, his English conversation skills improved remarkably.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "最近、父は ＿＿＿ 老け込んだ。" (Meaning: "Recently, my father has noticeably aged.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "めっきり" fits here because it means "remarkably; noticeably; significantly (of change)" in the context of: "Recently, my father has noticeably aged.". "めきめき" represents "remarkably, rapidly (making progress, improving)".