徹底

てってい

thoroughness, completeness

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"徹底" (てってい) means thoroughness or completeness. It is often used to emphasize doing something fully or without leaving anything undone.

Common Contexts

You will frequently see "徹底" in contexts related to work, investigation, safety, or any situation where complete attention and effort are required.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 徹底的に (てっていてきに): thoroughly, completely — used to modify verbs to stress thorough action.
  • 徹底する: to carry out thoroughly — often used with tasks or measures.
  • 徹底的な調査 (てっていてきなちょうさ): thorough investigation.

Register and Nuance

"徹底" is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It conveys a strong sense of completeness and is often used in professional or serious situations.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "徹底" with "完全" (complete) or "十分" (enough). "徹底" stresses the process of doing something thoroughly, not just the state of being complete.

Example Sentences

もんだいをてっていてきにちょうさするひつようがあります。

It is necessary to thoroughly investigate the problem.

かれはしごとにてっていしてとりくむタイプです。

He is the type who tackles work thoroughly.

あんぜんたいさくをてっていすることがじゅうようです。

It is important to thoroughly enforce safety measures.