Onomatopoeia
Japanese meaning of ちゃっかり
Voice sample:
ちゃっかり (chakkari)
English Translation:
shrewdly, cheekily
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Describes someone cleverly taking advantage of a situation for themselves, without shame.
日本語で読む
ぬけめなく、自分に都合のいいようにふるまう様子。
Cultural Context:
Often used with a smile about someone who gets the best seat or the last snack. It can be a little critical but is usually light.
日本語で読む
いちばんいい席やおやつをしっかり取る人に、半分あきれ、半分笑って使うことが多い。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
Used as an adverb or with する: 「ちゃっかり座る」「ちゃっかりしている」.
日本語で読む
「ちゃっかり座る」「ちゃっかりしている」のように使う。
Trap for English Speakers
It is not as negative as ずるい (unfair); it suggests cleverness more than cheating.
日本語で読む
「ずるい」ほど悪い意味ではなく、要領のよさを表すことが多い。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
妹は手伝わなかったのに、ちゃっかりケーキを一番に食べていた。
My sister didn't help at all, but she cheekily ate the cake first.
Example 2Applied Example
兄はちゃっかり、父の車で駅まで送ってもらった。
My brother shrewdly got Dad to drive him to the station.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「ちゃっかり」 mean?