Japanese meaning of ギリギリ
Reading:
ぎりぎり (girigiri)
English Translation:
just in time, barely
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Describes something happening at the last moment, or just barely.
Cultural Context:
Used for narrow escapes or close calls.
間に合うかどうか、ギリギリの状態・タイミングを表します。
締切直前や危機一髪のシーンで使われる。
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!”