Japanese meaning of ギリギリ

Reading:
ぎりぎり (girigiri)

English Translation:

just in time, barely

Scene & Cultural Context

Cultural Context:


Used for narrow escapes or close calls.

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

Used as adverb: “ギリギリ間に合った.”

Trap for English Speakers

Not “gritty gritty.”

Example

Basic Example

ギリギリで終電に間に合った。

I barely caught the last train.


Applied Example

ギリギリでセーフになる漫画の演出。

A manga character making it just in time: “girigiri safe!”