しっかり
shikkari
Gripped tight so nothing shifts: しっかり
The picture A hand closing with real force, leaving no room for anything to wobble or slip out. しっかり is gripped tight so nothing shifts; ぼんやり is all force gone, loose and blurred.
Where the picture shows up in しっかり
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gripped with the hand
手すりをしっかり持ってください。
tesuri o shikkari motte kudasai
Please hold the handrail tightly.
On a swaying bus, fingers hooked around the strap, knuckles going white
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not letting words slip
説明をしっかり聞いてください。
setsumei o shikkari kiite kudasai
Please listen to the explanation properly.
Head up during a work briefing, eyes fixed on the speaker's mouth
This is gripping with the ears.
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an object that holds firm
この箱はしっかりしていて丈夫です。
kono hako wa shikkari shite ite joubu desu
This box is sturdy and holds up well.
A thick box with corners that don't buckle even with something heavy stacked on it
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filling the body with strength
ご飯をしっかり食べてください。
gohan o shikkari tabete kudasai
Make sure you eat properly.
Handing over a lunch box with every compartment filled, not a half-empty one
Said to someone who is ill or working hard.
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a person you can rely on
彼はしっかりしているので安心です。
kare wa shikkari shite iru node anshin desu
He has a firm grip on things, so I'm not worried.
Someone ticking off a handed-over task list item by item and reporting back on time
しっかりしている is how you judge a person.
All of it in one picture
Follow the clenched hand and all five line up. Grip the rail and your body stops swaying; grip the instructions and no words leak away. A box that feels gripped from within is sturdy, and eating as if gripping the meal puts strength back in the body. A person with a grip on their own work is someone you can count on.