1.
full-scale; earnest; serious
Describes something done in a thorough, comprehensive way rather than casually or partially. Often used for activities that shift from preliminary to full commitment.
本格的な調査が始まった。
A full-scale investigation has begun.
来月から本格的に練習を始める。
I'll start training in earnest from next month.
梅雨が本格的になってきた。
The rainy season has started in earnest.
2.
authentic; genuine; the real thing
Describes something that meets the true standards of its category — not an imitation or simplified version.
本格的なイタリア料理のレストラン。
A restaurant with authentic Italian cuisine.
これは本格的なコーヒーだ。
This is genuine, high-quality coffee.
本格派のミステリー小説が好きだ。
I like orthodox mystery novels.
Almost always used in compound form as 本格的 (na-adjective) or 本格的に (adverb). Rarely used as a standalone noun in modern Japanese.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 本格的な調査: a full-scale investigation
- 本格的に始まる: to begin in earnest
- 本格的な味: authentic flavor
- 本格派: orthodox school/faction (especially in literary genres)
- 本格的な冬: the onset of real winter
USAGE:
本格的に often marks a transition from a preliminary or casual phase to the real, serious phase. For example, 本格的に勉強する implies moving beyond dabbling to committed study.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 正式: official, formal — emphasizes procedural correctness rather than thoroughness
- 正真正銘: genuine, authentic — stronger emphasis on being the real thing, often correcting a misconception