Translation and Meaning of: 丸っきり - marukkiri

The expression 「丸っきり」 (marukkiri) is used in the Japanese language to emphasize the idea of something being complete or absolutely a lost cause, often translated as "completely" or "absolutely" in Western languages. The word is a more emphatic alternative to 「全く」 (mattaku), which also means "completely." An interesting detail is that 「丸」 (maru), which means "circle" or "round," is the root kanji that contributes to the sense of totality or fullness implied in the word.

Etymologically, 「丸っきり」 is the combination of 「丸」 (maru), which conveys the idea of round or whole, and 「っきり」 (kkiri), which is an intensive form to give emphasis. When combined, these elements create a sense of something absolute or without exception. By using this expression, speakers clearly emphasize that there is no room for doubts or exceptions in what is being described.

The origin of the word can be traced back to the earliest uses of 「丸」 to describe something that has no beginning or end, given its circular form; this idea evolves to convey concepts of totality or completeness. The addition of 「っきり」 intensifies the assertion, something that is inherent in the way the Japanese language uses particles and borrowed forms of verbs and adjectives to modify meanings.

In practice, 「丸っきり」 is used in various contexts, both in daily conversation and in more formal texts, where emotional impact is desired. The word can also be found in many sentence constructions to provide additional emphasis or clarity to the point being made, reflecting a richness of expression that is quite unique to the Japanese language.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

完全に (Kanzen ni) - completely
全く (Mattaku) - Completely; really (often used for negative emphasis)
すっかり (Sukkari) - Totally; completely (emphasizes the transformation or change)
まったく (Mattaku) - Really; absolutely (without reservations)
ぴったり (Pittari) - Exactly; perfectly (indicates compliance or advertising)
まるで (Marude) - Completely like; totally; in some way (used for comparisons)
すべて (Subete) - Everything; all (comprehensive)
すっぱり (Suppari) - Clearly and directly; suddenly (indicates a conclusion or separation)
まっさら (Massara) - Completely clean; new (unused or mark-free)
すっきり (Sukkiri) - Refreshing; clean; completely (indicates relief or mental clarity)
まっさきに (Massakini) - First of all; in the first place (indicates priority)
すべからく (Subekaraku) - Must; should; all who (indicates obligation)
まったくもって (Mattaku motte) - Totally; absolutely (strong emphasis)
すっぱりと (Suppari to) - Clearly and directly; decisively (emphasizes decisive action)
まるでのように (Marude no you ni) - Just like; in the same way as (direct comparison)
まったくの (Mattaku no) - Completely; totally (emphasis on the condition)
すっきりと (Sukkiri to) - In a refreshing and clean way; clear (emphasis on the condition)
まっさきに (Massakini) - Firstly; primarily
すっかり消える (Sukkari kieru) - Completely disappear (emphasizes the act of vanishing)
まったく同じ (Mattaku onaji) - Totally the same; absolutely equal
まったく違う (Mattaku chigau) - Totally different; absolutely distinct