Translation guide
The English adverb 'properly' covers a range of meanings from 'correctly' and 'in the right way' to 'thoroughly' and 'appropriately'. Japanese uses different expressions depending on the nuance.
To do something in the correct manner, following rules or standards.
A very common and versatile adverb meaning 'properly', 'correctly', or 'diligently'. Used in everyday speech for doing things as they should be done.
ちゃんと宿題をやりなさい。
Do your homework properly.
彼はちゃんと謝った。
He apologized properly.
Similar to ちゃんと but slightly more formal and often implies neatness or precision. Used for doing things neatly and correctly.
きちんと片付けてください。
Please tidy up properly.
彼はきちんと説明した。
He explained it properly.
Means 'correctly' or 'rightly'. Emphasizes factual correctness or moral rightness.
名前を正しく書いてください。
Please write your name correctly.
Means 'appropriately' or 'suitably'. Used when something is done in a way that fits the situation.
問題に適切に対処した。
They dealt with the problem properly.
To do something fully, without cutting corners.
Also used for doing something thoroughly. Context distinguishes from 'correctly'.
ちゃんと掃除した。
I cleaned properly (thoroughly).
Means 'firmly', 'steadily', or 'thoroughly'. Implies doing something with effort and care.
Means 'sufficiently' or 'enough'. Used when something is done to an adequate degree.
十分に加熱してください。
Please heat it properly (sufficiently).
To behave or dress according to social norms or expectations.
Often used for dressing neatly or behaving politely.
きちんとした服装で来てください。
Please come dressed properly.
Can be used for behaving properly, but less formal than きちんと.
ちゃんと挨拶しなさい。
Greet properly.
Means 'politely' or 'with good manners'. Emphasizes courteous behavior.
礼儀正しく振る舞いなさい。
Behave properly (politely).
To describe that a machine or system works as it should.
Means 'normally' or 'properly' for machines and systems.
エアコンが正常に動いていない。
The air conditioner isn't working properly.
Colloquially used for things working properly.
パソコンがちゃんと動かない。
The computer isn't working properly.
Also used for proper functioning, often with a nuance of precision.
These three adverbs overlap but have different nuances. ちゃんと is the most general and casual, meaning 'properly' in a broad sense. きちんと implies neatness, precision, and formality. しっかり implies firmness, steadiness, and thoroughness. For example, ちゃんと食べる means to eat properly (not skip meals), きちんと食べる means to eat neatly (with good manners), and しっかり食べる means to eat heartily or enough.
ちゃんと食べなさい。
Eat properly (don't skip meals).
きちんと食べなさい。
Eat properly (with good manners).
しっかり食べなさい。
Eat properly (enough to be full).
Avoid directly translating 'properly' as 適当に (てきとうに) which means 'roughly' or 'randomly', or 妥当に (だとうに) which means 'validly' but is rarely used as an adverb. These do not convey the intended meaning of 'properly' in most contexts.
しっかり勉強しなさい。
Study properly (hard).
戸締まりをしっかり確認した。
I checked the locks properly.
時計がきちんと動いている。
The clock is working properly.