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.
2.
authentic; genuine; the real thing
Describes something that meets the true standards of its category — not an imitation or simplified version.
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.