Translation guide
Expressing that an action is done completely, carefully, or to the fullest extent. Japanese uses adverbs, verb endings, and compound verbs rather than a single equivalent.
The action is carried out fully, without leaving anything undone.
Attach きる to the masu-stem of a verb to mean 'do completely' or 'do to the end'. Often implies finishing something entirely.
宿題をやりきった。
I did my homework thoroughly (finished it completely).
彼はマラソンを走りきった。
He ran the marathon to the end.
Adverb meaning 'firmly', 'properly', or 'thoroughly'. Used with many verbs to indicate doing something with care and completeness.
しっかり勉強しなさい。
Study thoroughly.
ドアをしっかり閉めてください。
Please close the door firmly.
Adverb meaning 'thoroughly' or 'exhaustively'. Stronger and more formal than しっかり. Often used in business or serious contexts.
問題を徹底的に調査した。
We investigated the problem thoroughly.
Adverb meaning 'completely' or 'entirely'. Often used when something is done to the point of changing a state.
すっかり忘れていた。
I had completely forgotten.
The action is performed with attention to detail, not just completion.
Adverb meaning 'carefully', 'politely', or 'meticulously'. Implies doing something with great care and attention.
彼は丁寧に手紙を書いた。
He wrote the letter carefully.
Adverb meaning 'elaborately', 'meticulously', or 'with great care'. Suggests extra effort to ensure perfection.
念入りに掃除した。
I cleaned thoroughly (with extra care).
Adverb meaning 'painstakingly' or 'assiduously'. Often used for detailed manual work or research.
彼は丹念に資料を調べた。
He examined the materials thoroughly.
The action is done in depth, often for understanding or experience.
Adverb meaning 'deeply'. Used with verbs like 考える (think), 理解する (understand), etc.
その問題について深く考えた。
I thought deeply about the problem.
Adverb meaning 'slowly and carefully', 'taking one's time'. Implies thoroughness through patience.
Covering all aspects, leaving nothing out.
Phrase meaning 'without leaving anything out', 'exhaustively'. Formal/literary.
彼は余すところなく才能を発揮した。
He displayed his talent thoroughly.
Adverb meaning 'all over', 'every nook and cranny'. Used for searching or covering an area.
しっかり is everyday and versatile, implying properness and reliability. 徹底的に is stronger and more formal, used for systematic or exhaustive actions.
English 'do thoroughly' cannot be directly translated as a single verb. Use adverbs or verb endings as shown above. Saying 'サラリとやる' is wrong; 'しっかりやる' is correct.
じっくり話し合おう。
Let's talk it over thoroughly.
The police searched thoroughly.