GATTSU-RI がっつり
Meanings
Examples
I’m going to eat a hearty dinner tonight to prepare for tomorrow’s match.
明日の試合に備えて、晩御飯をがっつり食べた。
I worked much harder than usual today, so I’m exhausted.
今日はいつもよりも、がっつり働いたのでとても疲れた。
Dogmatic Opinion
For me, GATTSU-RI is not primarily about sheer physical volume. The stronger focus is on an eager, full-on attitude toward what you are doing.
When the verb is “eat,” I imagine substantial food—meat, yakiniku, a beef bowl, or something similarly filling.
The general contrast is with doing something lightly or half-heartedly. GATTSU-RI means giving it a substantial amount, degree, appetite, or commitment.
Proximate Expression
vigorous
devour
Related Words
For Japanese Learners
There is no single equivalent. “がっつり食べる” can be eat a hearty meal, eat a lot, or have a substantial meal. “がっつり働く” is work hard or put in serious work. Full-on, substantial, a lot, and thoroughly can all be useful depending on the verb. The word is casual and energetic.
