LEARN + JAPANESE / 146 of 186 JLPT N3
Do It Properly ちゃんと・きちんと
ちゃんと and きちんと mean “properly,” “carefully,” or “as expected.” They describe doing something in the way it should be done, or making sure that an expected thing actually happens.
Please check the documents carefully before submitting them.
きちんと often sounds orderly and careful, so it fits instructions and professional situations. ちゃんと is more conversational and can carry the same meaning: ちゃんと準備した, “I prepared properly.”
Please make sure you come at the time we agreed on.
ちゃんと can gently remind someone to follow through. Depending on voice and context, it can also sound like a scolding: ちゃんと聞いて, “Listen properly.”
In Real Life
Use きちんと for careful work such as checking paperwork or organizing records. Use ちゃんと in everyday reminders about showing up, eating, replying, or finishing a task. Both can be positive; a sharp tone makes either one sound critical.
Hint · 힌트
Choose きちんと when you want a neat, careful tone. Choose ちゃんと for a more conversational reminder. The meaning overlaps, but the social tone can differ.
Vocabulary
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| to submit | |
| before | |
| documents, paperwork | |
| to check, confirm | |
| to promise, arrange | |
| time | |
| to prepare | |
| to record | |
| to organize | |
| to reply | |
| to finish | |
| to keep, follow | |
| accurate | |
| careful, polite | |
| procedure, steps | |
| necessary | |
| sufficiently | |
| to make sure | |
| to be late | |
| forgotten item |
YOUR PROGRESS
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