How to say "properly" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- adverbCovers 'properly' in the sense of doing something well or skillfully. When 'properly' simply means 'well' — doing a job well, sleeping well — this is the word you want.
- expression, adverbBest known from polite requests and greetings; as an adverb it means 'suitably, properly', typically asking someone to handle or pass on something appropriately. Seldom the word for 'properly' itself.
- adverb, suru verbCovers 'properly' as doing something neatly, exactly, and in the correct way, without sloppiness. Typical of tidying things up, keeping arrangements orderly, or giving accurate explanations.
- adverb, suru verbIt overlaps with きちんと, covering 'properly' as doing something as one should, completely and without cutting corners; often used when telling someone to do a task properly.
- adverb (with と)Colloquial; 'properly' here means fully or substantially, as in eating a hearty meal or earning a good amount. Seldom the word you want for 'properly' in the sense of doing something correctly.
Choose 「よく」 when 'properly' means doing something well, 「きちんと」 or 「ちゃんと」 for doing it neatly and as one should, 「よろしく」 chiefly in polite requests, and 「がっつり」 only for doing something fully or heartily.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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