Yojijukugo
Japanese meaning of 一気呵成
Voice sample:
いっきかせい (ikki kasei)
English Translation:
In one go, all at once
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Literally “finishing in one breath”; doing something all at once without stopping, from start to finish.
日本語で読む
物事をひといきに、休まず仕上げること。
Cultural Context:
It is often used for writing, work or attacks carried out quickly and in one go, with strong momentum.
日本語で読む
文章や仕事、攻撃などを、勢いにのって一度にやりとげるときによく使う。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Often “一気呵成に仕上げる” or “一気呵成に攻める.”
日本語で読む
•「一気呵成に仕上げる」「一気呵成に攻める」のように使う。
Trap for English Speakers
呵成 is read かせい. It means finishing in one go, not rushing carelessly.
日本語で読む
「呵成」は「かせい」と読む。いいかげんに急ぐことではなく、勢いよく一度にやりとげること。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
締め切りの前の夜、レポートを一気呵成に書き上げた。
The night before the deadline, I wrote the whole report in one go.
Example 2Applied Example
合図の煙が上がると、忍びたちは一気呵成に城の塀を越えた。
When the smoke signal rose, the ninja swept over the castle wall in one go.
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「一気呵成」 mean?