くっきりkukkiri

1. adverb (with と), suru verbclearly (standing out); distinctly; sharply; boldly; in sharp relief
   その木きは空そらにくっきりと浮かび上うかびあがっていた。↗

   The tree was clearly defined against the sky.

• SynonymはっきりNeutralBroader word for anything clear or definite, including attitudes and statements as in 「はっきり言う」; 「くっきり」 is about sharp outlines, colours and impressions.
• Synonym判然はんぜんWrittenWritten/formal prose for matters being perfectly clear, often in the negative 「判然としない」; 「くっきり」 describes what is visibly distinct.
• Synonym明瞭めいりょうWrittenWritten/formal prose for clarity of pronunciation, explanations and facts, as in 「明瞭な発音」; 「くっきり」 leans towards visual vividness.
• RelatedありありNeutralDescribes things vividly before the eye — memories or expressions showing plainly, as in 「ありありと浮かぶ」; 「くっきり」 is about sharp outlines.
• RelatedしかとWrittenWritten/formal prose with an old-fashioned flavour; means firmly and certainly, as in 「しかと見届ける」, and is not used for sharp outlines.
• RelatedまざまざNeutralVividly confronts you with reality or a memory, as in 「まざまざと見せつける」; it suggests being made to face something, while 「くっきり」 just says clear.
• AntonymぼんやりNeutralAntonym: hazy and indistinct, as in 「ぼんやり見える」 — the opposite of 「くっきり」's sharp outlines; it also describes gazing blankly or daydreaming.
• AntonymかすかNeutralAntonym: faint and barely perceptible, as in 「かすかな音」; it sits at the weak end of the clarity scale where 「くっきり」 marks the sharp end.

Use 「くっきり」 for sharp outlines, colours and impressions, as in 「くっきり見える」. For clear in general, or definite statements, pick 「はっきり」; for vivid memories, 「ありあり」. The opposites are 「ぼんやり」 and 「かすか」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 境界きょうかいがはっきりしている様さま。