Translation and Meaning of: あっさり - assari

If you've ever heard a Japanese person saying あっさり (assari) and became curious about its meaning, this article is for you. Here, we will explore the etymology, everyday usage, and even tips to memorize this versatile word. On Suki Nihongo, the largest online Japanese dictionary, you will also find practical examples to include in your Anki and boost your studies. Let's uncover everything from its origin to the contexts in which the Japanese most frequently use this expression — and why it can be your ally in achieving fluency.

Etymology and Origin of あっさり

The word あっさり has onomatopoeic roots, deriving from the sensation of something light, fast, and uncomplicated. Although it is only written in hiragana, its sound carries the idea of simplicity — like a fluid movement or a decision made without hesitation. Interestingly, it does not have a fixed kanji, but some ancient materials associate it with the character 淡 (light, gentle), reinforcing its meaning of detachment.

In the Edo period, あっさり already appeared in texts describing foods with subtle flavors or uncomplicated personalities. Over time, its use expanded to everyday situations, such as solving problems "without fuss". A curiosity? It is often contrasted with こってり (kotteri), which indicates something dense or intense — like a rich sauce versus a light soup.

How to Use あっさり in Daily Life

The Japanese love あっさり to describe quick actions or direct attitudes. For example: 「彼はあっさり断った」 (Kare wa assari kotowatta) — "He declined without hesitation." It is also common in cuisine: a あっさり dish has little oil or strong seasonings. Try to use it when complimenting a light meal or when someone makes a practical decision, like choosing the cheapest t-shirt without thinking too much.

Another interesting use is in responses to invitations. If a friend asks 「飲みに行かない？」 (Shall we go for drinks?) and you agree right away, a 「あっさり行こう！」 sounds very natural. But be careful: in formal contexts, prefer variations like すぐに (sugu ni) to avoid a too casual tone.

Tips for Memorizing and Curiosities

To fixate on あっさり, associate it with situations in your day. Remember when you decided what to eat in 3 seconds? That's あっさり. An infallible technique is to create flashcards with phrases like 「あっさりした味」 (light flavor) or 「あっさり勝った」 (won easily). In fact, this word is so beloved that it even became the name of restaurants in Japan — search for あっさり亭 (Assari-tei) on Google Maps!

A common trick is to confuse its use with さっぱり (sappari), which also conveys lightness but with the nuance of "relief" (like after a bath). Want a tip? Think of あっさり as "straight to the point" and さっぱり as "refreshing feeling." And if you want to impress, drop a 「あっさりしてていいね」 (It’s great that it’s simple!) when trying a new dish.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• さっぱり (sappari) - Clarity, freshness; feeling of lightness.
• すっきり (sukkiri) - Clarity, cleanliness; refreshing sensation.
• さらっと (saratto) - Lightness, sliding; a quick and fresh sensation.
• さわやか (sawayaka) - Refreshing, invigorating; pleasant sensation.
• すがすがしい (sugasugashii) - Refreshing; feeling of renewal or cleanliness.
• さびしい (sabishii) - Sad, lonely; feeling of loneliness.
• さびれた (sabireta) - Desolate, abandoned; in a state of sadness or deterioration.

あっさり

Romaji: assari
Kana: あっさり
Type: adverb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: easily; promptly; quickly

Meaning in English: easily;readily;quickly

Definition: - The food is bland instead of tasty. - The person has a refreshing personality and attitude. - Things should be done quickly and procedures should be easy.

Example Sentences - (あっさり) assari

See below some example sentences:

あっさりした味が好きです。

Assari shita aji ga suki desu

I like the light taste.

• あっさりした - Adjective that describes a light and smooth taste.
• 味 - noun that means flavor
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 好き - adjective that means likable
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form