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きっかけ Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N3 Freq. Frequency Top 5,000 Meanings 1
noun
chance ; opportunity ; trigger ; impetus
usually written using kana alone
Refers to the initial spark, cue, or opportunity that sets something in motion. Often used in the pattern 〜をきっかけに(して) meaning 'taking ~ as a chance to...' or 'triggered by ~'.
め
た
。
Meeting him was the trigger that made me start studying Japanese.
Written forms きっかけ Usage 95%
Standard modern spelling; the word is usually written in kana. The kanji form 切っ掛け is rare.
キッカケ Usage 4%
search-only kana form
Katakana spelling is occasionally seen in informal or stylistic writing, but is not standard.
切き っ 掛か け Usage 1%
rarely-used kanji form
Rare kanji form; learners should use the kana spelling.
切き っかけ Usage <1%
切きっ 掛かけ Usage <1%
Similar words 動どう 機き 動機 is a more formal, internal 'motive' or 'reason' for an action, while きっかけ is a more casual, external 'trigger' or 'opportunity' that starts something.
契けい 機き 契機 is a formal, often written term for 'opportunity' or 'turning point', similar to きっかけ but used in more serious or business contexts.
Etymology Derived from the verb 切っ掛ける (kikkakeru), meaning 'to cut and hang' or 'to start something'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word has been used since the Edo period to mean 'a start' or 'an opportunity'.
