ちゃっかり

ちゃっかり
adverb
shrewdly, brazenly (getting what one wants)
1. shrewdly, brazenly
Acting cleverly to secure personal advantage; getting what one wants without shame or hesitation.
(かれ)はちゃっかり一番(いちばん)()(せき)()った。
He shrewdly took the best seat.
ちゃっかり自分(じぶん)(ぶん)だけ確保(かくほ)していた。
She had brazenly secured only her own portion.
文句(もんく)()いながらもちゃっかり参加(さんか)している。
While complaining, he's still brazenly participating.
ちゃっかりおかわり(おかわり)をもらっていた。
She had brazenly gotten a second helping.

USAGE: ちゃっかり describes someone who cleverly or shamelessly secures advantages for themselves. Often used with a mix of criticism and grudging admiration.

VERB FORM:

  • ちゃっかりする (to act shrewdly for personal gain)

NUANCE: Has a slightly negative connotation but is often used affectionately or with amusement. Describes someone who knows how to look out for themselves.

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • ちゃっかり()る (to shrewdly take)
  • ちゃっかり参加(さんか)する (to brazenly join in)
  • ちゃっかり(とく)をする (to shrewdly benefit)
  • ちゃっかりしている (to be shrewd/calculating)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • ずうずうしい: Shameless, brazen (more negative)
  • ぬけめがない: Shrewd, not missing opportunities
  • ちゃっかり: Shrewdly self-serving (somewhat affectionate)

Related Words

Related: ずうずうしい