さっぱり

JLPT:N3
Frequency:
1

A feeling of refreshment or relief (e.g., after a shower or rest).

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Irregular VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

シャワーを浴びてさっぱりした。

I felt refreshed after taking a shower.

朝の散歩で頭がさっぱりした。

A morning walk cleared my head.

一晩眠ったら気分がさっぱりした。

After a night's sleep I felt refreshed.

2

Neat, tidy, or clean in appearance or arrangement.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Irregular Verb

Examples

部屋がさっぱりしていて気持ちいい。

The room is tidy and pleasant.

彼女はいつもさっぱりした服装をしている。

She always dresses simply and neatly.

台所を掃除して食器を片付けたらさっぱりした。

After cleaning the kitchen and putting away dishes it looked much tidier.

3

Frank, straightforward, or plain in character; also describes a light or simple style (e.g., taste).

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Irregular VerbNa-Adjective

Examples

彼はさっぱりした性格で付き合いやすい。

He has a frank, easygoing personality.

この料理は脂っこくなくさっぱりした味付けだ。

This dish isn't greasy and has a light flavor.

彼女の物言いはさっぱりしていて誤解が少ない。

Her way of speaking is straightforward and rarely causes misunderstandings.

4

Completely or entirely (used to indicate something is done or in a particular state).

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'

Examples

本番前に緊張がとれて気持ちがさっぱりした。

Before the event my nerves went away and I felt completely at ease.

問題はさっぱり解決したわけではないが、進展はあった。

The problem isn't entirely solved, but there has been progress.

5

Used with negative verbs to mean 'not at all' or 'completely not' (e.g., 'not understand at all').

Adverb

Examples

彼の話はさっぱりわからない。

I don't understand his talk at all.

漢字はさっぱり覚えられない。

I just can't remember kanji at all.

6

Colloquial adjectival use meaning 'completely hopeless' or 'utterly useless' (e.g., 'it's hopeless').

Na-Adjective

Examples

試験の出来はさっぱりだった。合格は期待できない。

The exam went terribly; I can't expect to pass.

今のアイデアはさっぱりなので、もう一度考え直そう。

This idea is hopeless, so let's rethink it.

Word Relationships