1.
to tighten; to become firm; to be toned
Used for physical things becoming firm or taut, such as muscles, skin, or a body becoming well-toned.
体が引き締まった。
My body became toned.
ジョギングで引き締まった足になった。
Jogging gave me toned legs.
冷たい水で顔を洗うと肌が引き締まる。
Washing your face with cold water tightens the skin.
2.
to become tense; to brace oneself
Used figuratively for a mental state of heightened focus or seriousness, such as when facing an important situation.
気持ちが引き締まった。
I braced myself mentally.
新しい年を迎えて気が引き締まる。
Welcoming the new year makes me feel a renewed sense of resolve.
部長の言葉を聞いて、チーム全体の表情が引き締まった。
After hearing the department head's words, the whole team's expressions became serious.
USAGE:
This is an intransitive verb. The transitive counterpart is 引き締める (to tighten, to discipline).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 体が引き締まる (the body becomes toned)
- 気が引き締まる (to feel a sense of resolve)
- 表情が引き締まる (one's expression becomes serious)
- 引き締まった体 (a firm, toned body)