The Meaning of mekkiri [めっきり] In Japanese

めっきり
めっきり
Romaji: mekkiri N3

What does めっきり mean?

Translation and Meaning

noticeably, markedly, dramatically

Definition

What does めっきり mean? It denotes a noticeable, striking change that stands out compared to what came before, often implying a shift in degree or condition that is more pronounced than usual.

Type

adverb (副詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • noticeably; markedly; dramatically — describes a change that stands out relative to the past
  • often implies suddenness or a clear departure from previous conditions
  • applies to weather, physical changes, or situations that become conspicuously different

Usage

Used as an adverb to describe a noticeable change in degree or condition. It appears in both spoken and written Japanese, slightly formal or literary, and is commonly paired with verbs like なる, 変わる, 減る, or 太る to express a change that is obvious or dramatic relative to the past.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: imagine a sharp ‘kiri’ cut through your normal routine to signal a change that is suddenly obvious; the sound of mekki-ri cues you that the change is pronounced and not gradual.

Variations

  • 顕著に (kencho ni) — noticeably
  • 著しく (ichijirushiku) — markedly
  • かなり (kanari) — quite
  • 相当 (soto) — considerably

Example Phrases

  • 最近、めっきり天気が寒くなってきた。
    Saikin, mekkiri tenki ga samuku natte kita.
    Recently, the weather has noticeably gotten colder.
    Lista:
    • 最近 (saikin) – recently
    • めっきり (mekkiri) – dramatically
    • 天気 (tenki) – weather
    • が (ga) – subject marker
    • 寒く (samuku) – cold
    • なって (natte) – become
    • きた (kita) – came
    Core: 「めっきり」 marks a noticeable, dramatic change; it usually precedes the く-form of i-adjectives, as in 「寒く」, to express that something has become noticeably different.
めっきり