How to define and contrast すっぱり, すっぽり, さっぱり and すっかり

すっぱり, すっぽり, さっぱり, and すっかり

These sound similar and when you look up those words in dictionary, they are often translated as "completely" in English.

It's a common question that I'm asked by students, so how are they different?

Today, I want to talk about how to define and contrast those words.

Each has multiple nuances. Below are the typical meanings, along with example sentences that are often used.

すっぱり

(1) Cutting things sharply.

えだをすっぱり切きり落おとした。

I hacked off a branch.

(2) The act of doing something decisively.

旅行りょこうの計画けいかくをすっぱりとあきらめた。

I gave up the travel plan. (just like that).

すっぽり

(1) How things fit in and out.

子供こどもがすっぽり入はいるくらいの大おおきさです。

It's big enough to completely fit a child inside.

(2) The state of covering the whole.

街まち全体ぜんたいが雪ゆきですっぽりとおおわれた。

The whole city was completely covered with snow.

さっぱり

(1) Discomfort and feeling of discontent are completely gone and you feel good about the situation.

友達ともだちと仲直なかなおりして、さっぱりした気持きもちになった。

I made up with my friend and felt refreshed.

シャワーしてさっぱりした！

I took shower and (now) I feel refreshed!

(2) Personality, taste, smell is not persistent.

友達ともだちはさっぱりした性格せいかくで、一緒いっしょにいて気きが楽らくだ。

My friends are easy-going and easy to be with.

このドレッシングは、さっぱりしていておいしい。

This dressing is refreshing and delicious.

(3) さっぱり + negative form, "not at all".

さっぱり思おもい出だせない。

I can't remember at all.

すっかり

(1) A situation where nothing is left.

れいぞうこの中なかの食たべ物ものがすっかりなくなってしまった。

The food in the refrigerator is completely gone.

(2) Being in a certain state completely.

テストがあることをすっかり忘わすれていた。

I completely forgot there was a test.

もうすっかり秋あきだ。

It's already completely autumn.

ちがいがさっぱり分わからなかった人ひともすっかり分わかるようになりましたか？😊
Did people who didn't know the difference at all come to know the difference completely?