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こまめに

B1 adverb 8분 분량

こまめに

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 こまめに 30초 만에

설명 こまめに in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'komame-ni' as a special way to say 'often' (yoku). It is usually taught in the context of health and hygiene. For example, 'komame-ni te o araimasu' means 'I wash my hands often.' The key at this level is to recognize that this word is used for good habits. You will see it on signs in Japan telling people to drink water or wash their hands. It's a very helpful word for daily life because it shows you are being careful and healthy. Just remember it comes before the action word (verb).

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the A2 level, you start to see 'komame-ni' used in more daily routines. It's not just about washing hands; it's about doing small things frequently so they don't become a problem. For example, 'komame-ni souji o shimasu' (I clean frequently) means you do a little bit of cleaning every day. This is different from 'tokidoki' (sometimes) or 'yoku' (often) because 'komame-ni' implies you are being a responsible person. You might also hear it in instructions, like 'save your work frequently' (komame-ni hozon shite kudasai). It’s an adverb that describes a 'good habit.'

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance of 'diligent care' that 'komame-ni' carries. It is the adverbial form of the na-adjective 'komame-na.' At this level, you can use it to describe social interactions and professional habits. For instance, 'komame-ni renraku o toru' (to keep in touch frequently) suggests a high level of reliability and politeness in a relationship or business setting. It implies that the person is proactive. You should be able to distinguish 'komame-ni' from 'hinpan-ni' (which is more clinical/formal) and 'shocchu' (which is more casual and sometimes negative).

At the B2 level, you can use 'komame-ni' to express complex ideas about maintenance and prevention. It fits perfectly into discussions about the environment (turning off lights frequently), health management (monitoring blood pressure frequently), or technical skills (committing code frequently). You should also be comfortable using the adjective form 'komame-na' to describe personality traits. A 'komame-na hito' is someone who is attentive to detail and never lets small tasks pile up. This word is a key part of sounding like a natural, culturally-aware Japanese speaker who values 'mame' (diligence).

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C1 level, you should appreciate the cultural etymology of 'komame-ni.' It links back to the concept of 'mame' (faithfulness/sincerity). In professional settings, using 'komame-ni' shows you understand the Japanese work ethic of 'Hou-Ren-So' (Report-Contact-Consult). You can use it in nuanced ways, such as describing the frequent, subtle adjustments needed in project management or the meticulous nature of traditional Japanese crafts. You should also be able to use it in written Japanese to convey a sense of 'meticulous frequency' that 'hinpan-ni' cannot capture. It adds a human, caring element to your descriptions.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C2 level, 'komame-ni' is a tool for precision in expression. You can use it to contrast different philosophies of action—for example, the 'komame-ni' approach of incremental maintenance versus a 'drastic' (daigakari-na) intervention. You understand its place in the broader lexicon of frequency adverbs and can use it to evoke a specific cultural image of the 'mame' individual who finds virtue in small, repeated acts of care. Whether in high-level business negotiations or literary analysis, you recognize that 'komame-ni' is not just about time, but about the quality of attention given to the passage of time.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

こまめに 30초 만에

Means frequently and diligently.
Used for proactive maintenance and health.
Implies a positive, attentive attitude.
Common in hygiene, cleaning, and social contexts.

The Japanese adverb こまめに (komame-ni) is a quintessential expression of Japanese attention to detail and proactive care. At its core, it describes performing an action frequently, diligently, and with a sense of meticulousness. Unlike the English word 'frequently,' which simply denotes high recurrence, komame-ni implies that these frequent actions are small, thoughtful steps taken to maintain a good state or prevent a negative outcome. It is often used in contexts related to health, cleanliness, social etiquette, and resource management.

Health & Hygiene: This is perhaps the most common modern usage. Public health announcements often urge citizens to komame-ni wash their hands or hydrate. It suggests that doing these things 'little and often' is the key to effectiveness.
Social Communication: In relationships or business, it refers to sending quick updates or check-ins. A person who is komame in their communication is seen as reliable and considerate because they don't let long periods pass without contact.
Household Maintenance: Instead of a 'deep clean' once a month, komame-ni cleaning means wiping the counter whenever it's used or sweeping a little bit every day to ensure dirt never accumulates.

熱中症を防ぐために、こまめに水分を補給してください。
— (To prevent heatstroke, please hydrate frequently and diligently.)

The term is derived from the word mame (忠実/実), which historically meant 'sincere,' 'honest,' or 'healthy.' When you do something komame-ni, you are acting with a sense of 'small sincerity'—paying attention to the tiny details that others might overlook. In a workplace, for example, saving your file komame-ni is a sign of a cautious and professional worker. In the digital age, this word has found new life in describing how we interact with technology, such as checking emails or updating social media status.

Furthermore, the word carries a nuance of 'efficiency through frequency.' By doing things komame-ni, you avoid the overwhelming burden of a massive task later on. This reflects the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen (continuous improvement) and the cultural value placed on steady, incremental effort. Whether it's turning off lights to save electricity or checking the weather forecast before heading out, komame-ni is the adverb of the responsible, mindful individual.

Using こまめに (komame-ni) correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as an adverb and its specific collocational preferences. It almost always modifies a verb that involves an action that can be repeated effectively over time.

With Health-Related Verbs: Commonly paired with 補給する (hokyuu suru - to replenish), 洗う (arau - to wash), and 換気する (kanki suru - to ventilate). It emphasizes that a single instance is not enough; the action must be periodic.
With Maintenance Verbs: Paired with 掃除する (souji suru - to clean), 点検する (tenken suru - to inspect), and 保存する (hozon suru - to save). This usage highlights the prevention of failure or accumulation of mess.

パソコンのデータはこまめに保存したほうがいいですよ。
— (It's better to save your computer data frequently.)

In terms of sentence structure, komame-ni usually appears before the verb it modifies. While it can be placed at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis, its most natural position is immediately preceding the verb or its object-verb pair. It is also important to note that komame-ni is the adverbial form of the na-adjective こまめな (komame-na). For example, 'a diligent person' would be こまめな人 (komame-na hito).

Consider the difference in nuance:
1. 頻繁に連絡する (hinpan-ni renraku suru) - Contacting frequently (neutral/statistical).
2. こまめに連絡する (komame-ni renraku suru) - Contacting frequently as a sign of care and attentiveness.
The second option sounds much more positive and professional in a Japanese context. It suggests that the person is 'on top of things' and cares about the recipient's peace of mind.

彼女はこまめにメモを取るタイプだ。
— (She is the type who takes notes meticulously and frequently.)

In modern Japan, こまめに (komame-ni) is everywhere. If you turn on the television during a heatwave, news anchors will repeatedly use the phrase 'komame-na suibun hokyuu' (frequent hydration). During the winter or pandemic seasons, posters in train stations and offices will urge you to 'komame-ni tearai, ugai' (frequently wash hands and gargle). It is the language of public safety and social responsibility.

In the Office: Your boss might tell you to komame-ni hou-ren-sou (report, contact, and consult frequently). This ensures that small problems are caught before they become disasters. It's about maintaining a flow of information.
In Beauty and Self-Care: Beauty magazines often advise readers to komame-ni apply sunscreen or lip balm. The idea is that 'little and often' is more effective for skin protection than one heavy application.

「電気をこまめに消しましょう」というステッカーが貼ってある。
— (There is a sticker that says "Let's turn off the lights frequently [whenever not in use].")

You will also hear it in casual conversations between friends, especially when discussing habits. If someone is praised for being 'mame' (the adjective form), it often refers to their habit of replying to messages quickly, remembering birthdays, or keeping their room tidy. In a romantic context, a 'mame na kareshi' (a diligent boyfriend) is someone who sends many small, thoughtful messages throughout the day. It's a word that bridges the gap between 'frequent' and 'thoughtful.'

Interestingly, the word is also used in financial advice. 'Komame-ni chokin suru' means to save small amounts of money frequently. This reflects the 'dust piled up becomes a mountain' (chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru) mentality that is so prevalent in Japanese culture. Whether it's saving pennies or saving files, komame-ni is the strategy of the wise.

While こまめに (komame-ni) is a versatile word, English speakers often overextend its meaning or confuse it with other adverbs of frequency. The most common pitfall is using it for things that happen 'often' but don't involve effort or diligence.

Mistake 1: Using it for involuntary actions: You wouldn't say 'komame-ni' for coughing or sneezing. Since those are involuntary, 'shiba-shiba' or 'nando-mo' would be appropriate. Komame-ni requires intent.
Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Yoku' (よく): Yoku is a general 'often.' If you 'often go to the movies,' you use yoku. If you 'frequently check your watch' because you are being careful about time, you could use komame-ni, but yoku doesn't carry that 'careful' nuance.

❌ 最近、こまめに雨が降る。
✅ 最近、よく雨が降る。
— (Explanation: Rain isn't an intentional, diligent action, so 'komame-ni' is incorrect.)

Another mistake is using komame-ni for large, infrequent tasks. The word implies 'smallness' (from 'ko' meaning small). If you clean your whole house once a month, that is not komame-ni. If you wipe the dust off your desk every morning, that *is* komame-ni. It's about the granularity of the action.

Lastly, learners sometimes forget the 'ni' particle. While komame is the root, it must be komame-ni to function as an adverb. Using komame da describes a person's personality trait, but komame-ni describes how an action is performed. Keep these distinct to sound more natural.

Japanese has many ways to say 'frequently,' each with its own flavor. Understanding where こまめに (komame-ni) fits in this spectrum will greatly improve your fluency.

頻繁に (Hinpan-ni): This is the formal, objective word for 'frequently.' It is used in reports, news, and academic settings. It lacks the 'diligent care' nuance of komame-ni and simply refers to high frequency.
しょっちゅう (Shocchu): A casual, colloquial term for 'all the time' or 'constantly.' It often carries a slight nuance of annoyance or excess (e.g., 'He's shocchu complaining').
まめに (Mame-ni): Very similar to komame-ni, but without the 'ko' (small) prefix. It focuses more on the 'diligent' aspect and less on the 'small/frequent' aspect. However, in modern usage, they are often interchangeable, with komame-ni being slightly more common for physical actions like cleaning or hydrating.

Word	Nuance	Best For...
こまめに	Diligent, small actions	Health, cleaning, care
頻繁に	High frequency (formal)	Statistics, news, business
度々 (Tabi-tabi)	Repeatedly (formal)	Apologies, occurrences
ちょこちょこ	Bit by bit, restless	Small movements, casual

Another interesting alternative is mame-mame-shii, which is a more literary or old-fashioned way to describe someone extremely hardworking and attentive to domestic duties. If you want to emphasize that someone is doing something 'repeatedly' in a negative sense, you might use shitsukoku (persistently/annoyingly). Selecting the right word depends on whether you want to praise the frequency (komame-ni), state it as a fact (hinpan-ni), or complain about it (shocchu).

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The word 'mame' also means 'bean' (豆) in Japanese. Beans are associated with health and energy in Japanese culture (e.g., Setsubun), which is why 'mame' came to mean 'healthy' and 'diligent.'

발음 가이드

UK /kɒmæmeɪni/

US /koʊmɑːmeɪni/

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'komame-ni', the pitch starts low on 'ko' and rises on 'ma', then stays level or drops slightly.

라임이 맞는 단어

Mame-ni Tame-ni Yame-ni Hime-ni Kame-ni Ame-ni Yume-ni Sume-ni

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing 'me' as 'mee' (it should be 'meh').
Stressing one syllable too heavily (keep it flat).
Dragging the vowels (keep them short).
Confusing 'ni' with 'ne'.
Omission of the 'ni' particle.

난이도

독해 2/5

Hiragana is easy; understanding the nuance requires B1 level.

쓰기 2/5

Simple to write in Hiragana.

말하기 3/5

Natural placement in a sentence takes practice.

듣기 2/5

Commonly heard in daily life.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

よく (yoku) ときどき (tokidoki) そうじ (souji) みず (mizu)

다음에 배울 것

頻繁に (hinpan-ni) 几帳面 (kichoumen) 丁寧 (teinei)

고급

精力的 (seiryokuteki) 丹念に (tannen-ni) 克明に (kokumei-ni)

알아야 할 문법

Adverbial form of Na-adjectives

こまめ(な) -> こまめに

Te-form for habitual actions

こまめに手を洗っています。

Using 'youni' for goals

こまめに保存するようにしてください。

Nominalization with 'koto'

こまめに掃除することが大切だ。

Conditional 'tara' with advice

こまめに休憩したらどうですか？

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

수준별 예문

こまめに手を洗いましょう。

Let's wash our hands frequently.

Verb: 洗いましょう (Let's wash)

水をこまめに飲みます。

I drink water frequently.

Object + Adverb + Verb

こまめに掃除をします。

I clean frequently.

Focus on routine

部屋の空気をこまめに入れ替えます。

I change the air in the room frequently.

Ventilation context

こまめに休憩を取ってください。

Please take breaks frequently.

Polite command

日記をこまめに書いています。

I am writing in my diary frequently.

Continuous action

こまめに連絡をください。

Please contact me frequently.

Social request

電気をこまめに消します。

I turn off the lights frequently.

Energy saving habit

夏はこまめに水分を補給することが大切です。

It is important to hydrate frequently in summer.

Noun phrase: 補給すること

仕事中はこまめにメモを取るようにしています。

I try to take notes frequently during work.

Pattern: ~ようにしている

こまめにメールをチェックします。

I check my email frequently.

Modern digital context

彼はこまめに靴を磨いています。

He is polishing his shoes frequently.

Shows diligence

こまめに日焼け止めを塗り直しましょう。

Let's reapply sunscreen frequently.

Action: 塗り直す (reapply)

植物にこまめに水をあげてください。

Please give water to the plants frequently.

Caregiving context

こまめにデータを保存しないと消えてしまいますよ。

If you don't save data frequently, it will be lost.

Conditional: ~ないと

鏡をこまめに拭くと、部屋が明るくなります。

If you wipe the mirror frequently, the room gets brighter.

Cause and effect

彼はこまめに連絡をくれるので、安心できます。

Because he contacts me frequently, I can feel at ease.

Nuance: Reliability

エンジンオイルはこまめに点検したほうが長持ちします。

The engine oil will last longer if you inspect it frequently.

Pattern: ~たほうがいい

こまめに小銭を貯金箱に入れています。

I am putting small change into the piggy bank frequently.

Nuance: Small efforts

上司にこまめに報告することがプロジェクト成功の鍵です。

Reporting frequently to your boss is the key to project success.

Professional context

冬の間はこまめに加湿器の水を替えてください。

During winter, please change the humidifier water frequently.

Seasonal maintenance

こまめに席を立ってストレッチをしましょう。

Let's stand up and stretch frequently.

Health at work

SNSをこまめに更新するのは大変な作業だ。

Updating social media frequently is a difficult task.

Modern labor

こまめにフィルターを掃除すると、エアコンの効率が上がります。

If you clean the filter frequently, the air conditioner's efficiency improves.

Efficiency context

彼はこまめに自分の行動を振り返る習慣がある。

He has a habit of frequently reflecting on his own actions.

Reflective context

こまめに情報を収集し、変化に対応する必要があります。

It is necessary to collect information frequently and respond to changes.

Adaptability

定期検診だけでなく、こまめに体調をチェックしましょう。

Not just regular checkups, let's check our physical condition frequently.

Proactive health

こまめにパスワードを変更することは、セキュリティ上重要です。

Changing passwords frequently is important for security.

IT security

彼女はこまめに顧客の要望を聞き出し、サービスを改善した。

She frequently elicited customer requests and improved the service.

Business improvement

こまめに家計簿をつけることで、無駄遣いが減りました。

By keeping a household account book frequently, wasteful spending decreased.

Financial diligence

タイヤの空気圧はこまめに確認してください。

Please check the tire pressure frequently.

Safety maintenance

こまめに言葉を交わすことが、夫婦円満の秘訣です。

Exchanging words frequently is the secret to a happy marriage.

Relationship advice

こまめに軌道修正を行うことで、大きな失敗を回避できた。

By making frequent course corrections, we were able to avoid a major failure.

Metaphorical usage

彼はこまめに筆を執り、膨大な数の書簡を残した。

He frequently took up his pen and left behind a vast number of letters.

Literary context

市場の動向をこまめに分析し、投資戦略を練り直す。

Analyze market trends frequently and rethink investment strategies.

Analytical depth

こまめにメンテナンスを施された機械は、数十年経っても現役だ。

Machines that have been frequently maintained remain active even after decades.

Passive voice usage

政治家は有権者の声をこまめに拾い上げるべきだ。

Politicians should frequently pick up (listen to) the voices of voters.

Civic responsibility

こまめに水分を摂るという些細な習慣が、長寿に繋がる。

The trivial habit of frequently consuming water leads to longevity.

Philosophical nuance

彼女のこまめな気配りには、誰もが感銘を受けている。

Everyone is impressed by her frequent and meticulous attentiveness.

Adjective form: こまめな

こまめにバックアップを取る習慣が、システムの復旧を早めた。

The habit of taking frequent backups accelerated the system recovery.

Technical resilience

伝統芸能の継承には、こまめに基本に立ち返る謙虚さが求められる。

The succession of traditional arts requires the humility to frequently return to the basics.

Abstract concept

こまめに自己の価値観をアップデートしなければ、時代に取り残される。

Unless you frequently update your own values, you will be left behind by the times.

Existential advice

微細な変化をこまめに観察することが、科学的発見の端緒となる。

Frequently observing minute changes becomes the beginning of scientific discovery.

Scientific rigor

彼はこまめに足を運び、現場の生の声を政策に反映させた。

He frequently visited the sites (the field) and reflected the raw voices in policy.

Idiom: 足を運ぶ

こまめに加筆修正を繰り返すことで、論文の完成度を高めていった。

By repeating frequent additions and corrections, the perfection of the thesis was increased.

Academic process

人間関係の摩擦は、こまめに話し合うことで解消できる場合が多い。

Friction in human relationships can often be resolved by talking it out frequently.

Sociological insight

こまめに手入れされた庭園には、持ち主の深い愛情が感じられる。

In a garden that is frequently tended, one can feel the deep affection of the owner.

Aesthetic appreciation

こまめにリスクを評価し、不確実な未来に備える必要がある。

It is necessary to frequently evaluate risks and prepare for an uncertain future.

Strategic planning

자주 쓰는 조합

こまめに水分補給する

こまめに手を洗う

こまめに掃除する

こまめに連絡を取る

こまめに保存する

こまめに換気する

こまめに休憩する

こまめにメモする

こまめに電気を消す

こまめにチェックする

자주 쓰는 구문

こまめな人

— A diligent, attentive person who does small things frequently.

彼は本当にこまめな人ですね。

こまめに動く

— To move around busily or take action frequently.

彼はこまめに動いて手伝ってくれた。

こまめにケアする

— To take frequent care of something (skin, equipment).

革靴はこまめにケアすると長持ちします。

こまめに確認する

— To check something frequently to ensure accuracy.

スケジュールをこまめに確認する。

こまめに修正する

— To make small corrections frequently.

文章をこまめに修正しながら書く。

こまめに足を運ぶ

— To visit a place frequently in person.

現場にこまめに足を運ぶ。

こまめに目を配る

— To keep a frequent, watchful eye on something.

子供の様子をこまめに目を配る。

こまめに気を配る

— To be frequently attentive to others' needs.

周囲の人にこまめに気を配る。

こまめに水をやる

— To water plants frequently.

植木にこまめに水をやる。

こまめに着替える

— To change clothes frequently (e.g., due to sweat).

汗をかいたらこまめに着替えよう。

자주 혼동되는 단어

こまめに vs よく (yoku)

Yoku is general 'often.' Komame-ni is 'frequently and diligently.'

こまめに vs たびたび (tabi-tabi)

Tabi-tabi is for repeated occurrences, often out of one's control.

こまめに vs しばしば (shiba-shiba)

Shiba-shiba is more formal and used in writing for 'often.'

관용어 및 표현

"筆をこまめにする"

— To write letters or correspondence frequently.

彼は筆をこまめにするタイプで、よく手紙をくれる。

Literary

"まめに働く"

— To work diligently and without rest.

彼は家族のためにまめに働いている。

Neutral

"口をこまめにする"

— To speak or advise frequently (not common, but understood as being talkative/attentive).

先生は口をこまめにして注意してくれた。

Rare

"足をまめにする"

— To visit places frequently and proactively.

営業職は足をまめにすることが成功の秘訣だ。

Business

"まめまめしく立ち働く"

— To work briskly and diligently at household chores.

彼女は朝からまめまめしく立ち働いている。

Literary

"こまめに立ち寄る"

— To drop by a place frequently.

帰り道にこまめに本屋に立ち寄る。

Neutral

"こまめに手を打つ"

— To take frequent measures to solve problems.

問題が大きくなる前にこまめに手を打つ。

Strategic

"こまめに顔を出す"

— To show one's face (visit) frequently.

実家にはこまめに顔を出すようにしている。

Social

"こまめに牙を研ぐ"

— Metaphorically: To frequently prepare or practice for an opportunity.

チャンスに備えてこまめに牙を研いでおく。

Metaphorical

"こまめに筆を動かす"

— To keep writing or drawing frequently.

作家はこまめに筆を動かさなければならない。

Artistic

혼동하기 쉬운

こまめに vs 頻繁に

Both mean frequently.

Hinpan-ni is objective/formal. Komame-ni is subjective/diligent.

このエリアは頻繁に停電する (Correct) vs こまめに停電する (Wrong).

こまめに vs しょっちゅう

Both mean frequently.

Shocchu is very casual and often implies 'too much' or annoyance.

彼はしょっちゅう文句を言う。

こまめに vs 度々

Both mean repeatedly.

Tabi-tabi is often used for events or polite apologies.

度々のご連絡失礼します。

こまめに vs せっせと

Both imply diligence.

Sesseto means 'working hard and steadily' on one task. Komame-ni is about repeating small tasks.

せっせと雪かきをする。

こまめに vs ちょこちょこ

Both mean in small bits.

Chokochoko is more about restless, small movements or casual frequency.

彼はちょこちょこ部屋を出入りしている。

문장 패턴

こまめに [Verb-masu].

こまめに手を洗います。

こまめに [Verb-te] ください。

こまめに水を飲んでください。

こまめに [Verb-ru] ことが大切です。

こまめに連絡することが大切です。

こまめに [Verb-ru] 習慣をつける。

こまめに掃除する習慣をつける。

こまめに [Verb-ru] ことによって、[Result]。

こまめに換気することによって、感染を防ぐ。

こまめに [Noun] を施す。

こまめにメンテナンスを施す。

こまめに [Verb-te] くれる。

彼はこまめに連絡をくれる。

こまめに [Verb-nai] と...。

こまめに保存しないと消えちゃうよ。

어휘 가족

명사

忠実 (mame) - Sincerity/Diligence

동사

まめまめしく働く (mamemameshiku hataraku) - To work diligently

형용사

こまめな (komame-na) - Diligent/Attentive

사용법

frequency

Extremely high in daily life and media.

자주 하는 실수

こまめに雨が降る → よく雨が降る
Weather isn't intentional, so 'komame-ni' is wrong.
こまめに咳をする → 何度も咳をする
Coughing is involuntary; 'komame-ni' implies diligence.
こまめなを掃除する → こまめに掃除する
Use 'ni' for adverbs, 'na' for adjectives.
こまめに一回だけ洗う → 念入りに一回洗う
'Komame-ni' requires multiple frequent actions, not just one thorough one.
こまめにバスが来る → 頻繁にバスが来る
Buses follow schedules; they aren't 'diligent' in the human sense.

팁

Use for Hygiene

Always use 'komame-ni' when talking about washing hands or gargling. It sounds very natural and responsible.

Check the Verb

Ensure the verb is something that *can* be repeated. You can't 'komame-ni' graduate from university.

Compliment Others

Calling a coworker 'komame' is a great way to praise their attentiveness to detail.

Hydration

In summer, 'komame-ni suibun hokyuu' is the most important phrase you will hear.

Saving Files

Remind yourself: 'Komame-ni hozon!' (Save frequently!) to avoid losing work.

Relationships

Being 'mame' in replying to messages is considered a very attractive trait in Japan.

Little and Often

Use 'komame-ni' to describe the philosophy of cleaning as you go.

Intentionality

Remember that 'komame-ni' requires a person making a conscious effort.

Reporting

In a Japanese office, 'komame-ni houkoku' (reporting frequently) is highly valued.

Daily Practice

Study Japanese 'komame-ni' (a little every day) rather than cramming all at once!

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'small bean' (ko-mame). To grow a small bean, you must water it *frequently* and *diligently*.

시각적 연상

Imagine a person constantly saving their work on a computer with a focused face. That is 'komame-ni saving.'

Word Web

Cleaning Hydration Saving Files Checking Email Hand Washing Note Taking Reporting Polishing Shoes

챌린지

Try to use 'komame-ni' three times today: once for drinking water, once for cleaning, and once for checking your phone.

어원

The word comes from 'mame' (忠実), which means being sincere, faithful, or healthy. The 'ko-' prefix was added to emphasize small, detailed actions.

원래 의미: Being sincere in small matters.

Japonic

문화적 맥락

Calling someone 'mame' is almost always a compliment, but in very specific contexts, it could imply someone is 'fussy' or 'too detail-oriented' if used sarcastically.

In English, we might say 'keep on top of things' or 'staying ahead of the curve,' but 'komame-ni' is more focused on the repetition of the act itself.

Government health posters NHK weather reports Business etiquette books

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Health/Summer

水分補給
塩分補給
休憩
日陰

Hygiene/Winter

手洗い
うがい
換気
除菌

Office/Work

報告
連絡
相談
保存

Housework

掃除
洗濯
片付け
ゴミ出し

Relationships

返信
気遣い
プレゼント
感謝

대화 시작하기

"「最近、こまめに運動していますか？」 (Have you been exercising frequently lately?)"

"「こまめに水分を摂らないと危ないですよ。」 (It's dangerous if you don't hydrate frequently.)"

"「彼は本当にこまめに連絡をくれますね。」 (He really keeps in touch frequently, doesn't he?)"

"「仕事のデータはこまめに保存していますか？」 (Do you save your work data frequently?)"

"「こまめに掃除するコツは何ですか？」 (What is the secret to cleaning frequently?)"

일기 주제

今日、こまめに行ったことは何ですか？ (What did you do frequently and diligently today?)

こまめな人になるために、何を始めたいですか？ (What do you want to start doing to become a diligent person?)

こまめに連絡をくれる友達について書いてください。 (Write about a friend who keeps in touch frequently.)

こまめに掃除をすることのメリットは何だと思いますか？ (What do you think are the benefits of cleaning frequently?)

健康のためにこまめに気をつけていることはありますか？ (Is there anything you frequently pay attention to for your health?)

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Generally, no. It implies a sense of diligence or care, which are positive. You wouldn't say 'komame-ni' for lying or failing, unless being sarcastic.

'Mame' is the root meaning diligent. 'Komame' adds the 'ko' (small) prefix, emphasizing small, frequent actions. They are often used interchangeably today.

It is neutral. It's perfectly fine in business conversations, but 'hinpan-ni' might be used in a very formal written report.

No, because the weather doesn't have 'intent' or 'diligence.' Use 'yoku' or 'tabi-tabi' for rain.

Use the adjective form: 'komame-na hito' (a diligent/attentive person).

Yes, very common. For example, 'komame-ni renraku shite ne' (text me frequently/stay in touch).

Yes, but specifically 'meticulously over time through repetition.' Not just a one-time meticulous job.

Yes, if you eat small meals frequently for health (komame-ni taberu).

There is no direct single-word opposite, but 'zappaku' (sloppy) or 'tama-ni' (occasionally) are used depending on context.

It is a 'na-adjective' (komame-na), which becomes an adverb with 'ni' (komame-ni).

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