In 15 Seconds
- To drink a satisfying or healthy amount of liquid.
- Used for both water/health and alcohol/socializing.
- Implies doing the act of drinking 'properly' or 'thoroughly'.
Meaning
To drink a sufficient or hearty amount of something, usually for health reasons like hydration or for social enjoyment like at a party.
Key Examples
3 of 7Giving advice on a hot day
暑いから、水分をしっかり飲んでね。
It's hot, so make sure to drink plenty of fluids.
A doctor speaking to a patient
お薬を飲むときは、お水をしっかり飲んでください。
Please drink plenty of water when you take your medicine.
At the start of a party
今日は最後までしっかり飲むぞ！
I'm going to drink properly until the very end today!
Cultural Background
The term reflects the Japanese cultural emphasis on 'shikkari' (doing things thoroughly). It is most frequently used during the brutal Japanese summers to encourage hydration and prevent heatstroke. It also appears in 'nomikai' (drinking party) culture to encourage guests to enjoy themselves fully.
The Power of Shikkari
Japanese people use `shikkari` for everything from studying to sleeping. Using it with 'drink' makes you sound like you really understand the Japanese spirit of doing things right.
Water vs Alcohol
Context is key! If you're outside in July, it means water. If you're at an Izakaya at 8 PM, it definitely means alcohol.
In 15 Seconds
- To drink a satisfying or healthy amount of liquid.
- Used for both water/health and alcohol/socializing.
- Implies doing the act of drinking 'properly' or 'thoroughly'.
What It Means
Shikkari is a magic word in Japanese. It means "firmly," "solidly," or "properly." When you pair it with nomu (to drink), you aren't just sipping. You are drinking with a clear purpose. It suggests getting enough liquid into your system. Think of it as "drinking heartily" or "properly hydrating." It is about the quality and the quantity of the action.
How To Use It
You just put shikkari right before the verb. It works with any form of nomu. You can say shikkari nomimasu to be polite. Or use shikkari nonde! to tell a friend to hydrate. It is a very flexible phrase. It feels natural in almost any conversation. Just remember it modifies the action of drinking to make it sound intentional.
When To Use It
Use this when the sun is scorching outside. Your Japanese friends will tell you to shikkari drink water. It is also perfect for the start of a night out. You might tell your buddies to shikkari drink before the party ends. It shows you care about their well-being. Or, it shows you are ready to party hard! It is very common in health and social contexts.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for a tiny taste of something. If you are sampling a very expensive wine, don't say shikkari nomu. That sounds like you are going to chug the whole bottle! Avoid it during formal tea ceremonies too. Those rituals are about tiny, precise sips. Shikkari implies a certain robust volume. It would feel out of place in a delicate tasting session.
Cultural Background
In Japan, doing things "properly" is a big deal. The word shikkari is a huge compliment. It means you are reliable and thorough. Applying this to drinking shows the Japanese focus on health. During humid summers, "heatstroke" is a major concern. Public announcements constantly remind you to shikkari hydrate. It is a phrase rooted in looking after oneself and others.
Common Variations
You will often hear shikkari suibun hokyuu. This means "properly replenishing fluids." It sounds a bit more medical or athletic. Another one is gokugoku nomu, which is the sound of gulping. But shikkari is the one that carries the "responsibility" vibe. You might also hear shikkari tabete, shikkari nonde (eat well, drink well).
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and highly versatile. Use it with `~te kudasai` for polite requests or `~zo` for casual masculine enthusiasm.
The Power of Shikkari
Japanese people use `shikkari` for everything from studying to sleeping. Using it with 'drink' makes you sound like you really understand the Japanese spirit of doing things right.
Water vs Alcohol
Context is key! If you're outside in July, it means water. If you're at an Izakaya at 8 PM, it definitely means alcohol.
Don't Chug at a Wedding
While `shikkari` means 'heartily,' don't use it in extremely formal ceremonies like weddings or tea rituals where drinking is supposed to be understated.
Examples
7暑いから、水分をしっかり飲んでね。
It's hot, so make sure to drink plenty of fluids.
A very common way to show concern for someone's health in summer.
お薬を飲むときは、お水をしっかり飲んでください。
Please drink plenty of water when you take your medicine.
Here, it ensures the medicine is swallowed properly with enough liquid.
今日は最後までしっかり飲むぞ！
I'm going to drink properly until the very end today!
Expresses enthusiasm for a long night of socializing.
二日酔いなら、お水をしっかり飲んだほうがいいよ。
If you have a hangover, you should drink a lot of water.
Practical advice delivered in a casual way.
練習の合間にしっかり飲みなさい。
Drink plenty of water during the breaks in practice.
A command focused on performance and safety.
こんなに小さいグラスじゃ、しっかり飲めないよ！
I can't drink properly with a glass this small!
A humorous way to complain about a tiny serving size.
少しずつでいいから、しっかり飲んでね。
It's okay to take small sips, but make sure you drink enough.
Shows gentle care and encouragement to stay hydrated.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the advice for a hot day.
熱中症にならないように、お水を___飲んでください。
`Shikkari` is the most natural choice here because it emphasizes drinking a sufficient amount for health.
Complete the sentence for a lively party setting.
今夜はみんなで___飲みましょう！
`Shikkari` fits the positive, enthusiastic tone of a group drinking together.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Shikkari Nomu'
Used with friends: 'Shikkari nonde!'
Talking to a buddy at a bar.
Standard polite form: 'Shikkari nomimasu.'
Telling a colleague you'll hydrate.
Used by doctors or in signs: 'Shikkari nonde kudasai.'
Health advice on a public poster.
When to use 'Shikkari Nomu'
Summer Heat
Drinking water to stay safe.
Izakaya Party
Enjoying beer with friends.
Gym / Sports
Hydrating during a workout.
Taking Medicine
Using enough water for pills.
Practice Bank
2 exercises熱中症にならないように、お水を___飲んでください。
`Shikkari` is the most natural choice here because it emphasizes drinking a sufficient amount for health.
今夜はみんなで___飲みましょう！
`Shikkari` fits the positive, enthusiastic tone of a group drinking together.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is very commonly used for water, tea, or sports drinks, especially regarding health and hydration.
Yes, if you use the polite form shikkari nomimasu or shikkari nonde kudasai, it is perfectly acceptable.
Takusan just means 'a lot.' Shikkari adds a nuance of 'properly' or 'sufficiently,' making it sound more responsible.
You can say shikkari mizu o nonde kudasai (Please drink plenty of water).
It is a neutral adverb. Its formality depends entirely on the verb ending you use with it.
Yes! Shikkari taberu means to eat a proper, filling meal.
There isn't a direct opposite, but choko-choko nomu means to take small, frequent sips.
It might be a bit too conversational for a very formal email, but it's fine for a friendly check-in with a client about the heat.
In a social context, it can imply drinking a lot, but it focuses more on the 'heartiness' than the 'drunkenness'.
News anchors use it to remind the public to stay hydrated to avoid heatstroke (netsuchusho).
Related Phrases
水分補給
hydration / replenishing fluids
ぐいっと飲む
to drink in one go / gulp down
しっかり食べる
to eat a proper meal
飲みすぎる
to drink too much
