Japanese grammar
What does ～たきり mean? Japanese grammar N2
～たきり means ever since… (and nothing has been seen/heard since).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vた + きり、～ない Vた + きりだ |
| Romaji | takiri |
| Meaning | ever since… (and nothing has been seen/heard since) |
Forming it
| Sentence-final | 寝た → 寝たきりだ |
|---|---|
| With a following clause | 出かけた → 出かけたきり、帰ってこない |
How to use it
After A happens, that state CONTINUES and something that should logically follow does not happen.
- 「Vたきり」 = ever since A, things have stayed the same. The second clause is almost always NEGATIVE: 「彼は会社を辞めたきり、連絡がない」.
- Emphasizes that something that should have happened (contacting, returning, replying) has not happened — this carries a nuance of regret or worry.
- The fixed expression 「寝たきり」 (bedridden) is a noun, very commonly seen when talking about elderly care.
Examples
彼は会社を辞めたきり、連絡がない。
Ever since he quit the company, there has been no word from him.
昨日の朝メールを送ったきり、まだ返事が来ない。
I sent the email yesterday morning and still have had no reply.
Keep in mind
- Connects to the た form; the following clause is usually negative.
- Not used for something that happened just minutes ago.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong彼は出かけたきり、すぐ帰ってきた。
He went out and came right back.
Correct彼は出かけたきり、まだ帰ってこない。
The second clause must be something that does NOT happen; if the person did come back, this pattern is not used.
-
Wrong会社を辞めるきり、連絡がない。
Ever since he quit the company, there's been no contact at all.
Correct会社を辞めたきり、連絡がない。
Attaches to the た form.
Exam tips
- 「たきり」 = ever since A, things have stayed the same; the second clause is usually negative.