（っ）きり (kiri)

Meaning & usage

（っ）きり attaches to a noun (often ひとり/一人) or to a verb stem to mean something is done alone, entirely, or left in a state with nothing further happening. With verbs like 任せる or 寝る it suggests the situation continues unchanged since then. It appears in both neutral and slightly emphatic expressions.

Example sentences 8

1. 母ははが急死きゅうしした後あと、父ちちが一人ひとりきりで私わたしの世話せわをしてくれた。

   After my mother died suddenly, my father looked after me all by himself.

2. 父が寝たきりなので私たちが交代で面倒をみています。

   Since our father is bedridden, we take turns looking after him.

3. 彼女はひとりきりになったとたん、その手紙をあけた。

   The moment she was alone, she opened the letter.

4. 彼は自分の子供達の教育の問題を妻に任せきりだった。

   He always left the problem of his children's education to his wife.

5. その少年たちはかわいい猫と一緒に２人きりで暮らしていた。

   The two boys lived alone with a lovely cat.

6. ３ヶ月に一回、新商品が発表されるのできりがない。

   Because a new commodity is announced, it is in good supply every three months.

7. トムって、もう３０歳なのに親に頼りっきりなのよ。

   In spite of the fact that Tom is thirty, he's still dependent on his parents.

8. 「指きりげんまんは？」「はい。指きりげんまん。指切った」

   "Promise?" "Yes, I promise."