Translation and Meaning of: そっくり - sokkuri

If you've ever watched an anime or a Japanese drama, you've probably heard the word そっくり (sokkuri) at some point. But what does it mean exactly? This versatile expression is used to describe striking similarities between people, objects, or situations. In this article, we'll explore its meaning, everyday use, and even some tips for memorizing it effectively.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you will find the precise definition of そっくり, but here we go beyond the literal translation. Discover how the Japanese use this word in their daily lives, in which contexts it appears most frequently, and why it is so useful for those learning Japanese. Whether to describe a famous look-alike or a perfect copy of an object, そっくり plays an important role in communication.

Meaning and usage of そっくり

The word そっくり is an adverbial adjective that means "exactly the same," "identical," or "very similar." It is often used to highlight almost perfect similarities between two things. For example, if someone says "あなたはお母さんにそっくりだね" (Anata wa okaasan ni sokkuri da ne), it means "You look very much like your mother."

In addition to comparing people, そっくり can also be used for objects, ideas, or situations. A dish made exactly like the original recipe can be described as "レシピそっくりに作った" (Reshipi sokkuri ni tsukutta). The word carries a nuance of precision, almost as if it were a faithful copy.

Origin and structure of そっくり

The origin of そっくり comes from the combination of the prefix そっ (sok), which intensifies the meaning, and くり (kuri), a variation of くる (kuru), which suggests completeness or totality. Together, they form an expression that emphasizes a total resemblance. Although it is not written in kanji today, some ancient sources used 惣くり or 曾っくり, but these forms have fallen out of use.

It is worth noting that そっくり is one of the few words in Japanese that maintains its purely hiragana form, even in formal contexts. This reinforces its colloquial and accessible nature, present in both everyday conversations and TV programs.

Trivia and memorization tips

An easy way to remember そっくり is to associate it with the sound "sock" and "kuri" (chestnut in Japanese). Imagine a sock and a chestnut that are so similar they are almost identical – this silly image can help you remember the word. Additionally, it frequently appears in animes like "Detective Conan," where characters often disguise themselves as others and are described as "そっくりさん" (sokkuri-san).

Another tip is to practice with real examples. Try to describe photos of family members or similar objects using そっくり in simple sentences. Repeating its use in various contexts helps to internalize not only the meaning but also the correct intonation, since the pronunciation is soft and quick.