一気に（いっきに）

一気に（いっきに） means in one go; without stopping; all at once; immediately; instantly; right away ~. It is a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar pattern used to express that an action is completed in one continuous, uninterrupted burst.

This grammar point often appears in essays, formal writing, conversations, and JLPT N2 reading passages. If you want to express that an action is completed in one continuous, uninterrupted burst, 一気に（いっきに） is a useful pattern to learn because it adds natural precision to your Japanese.

What does 一気に（いっきに） mean?

Use 一気に（いっきに） when you want to express that an action is completed in one continuous, uninterrupted burst.

Natural translations include:

• in one go; without stopping; all at once; immediately; instantly; right away ~

The best translation depends on the sentence. Try to notice the writer’s or speaker’s purpose first, then choose the English phrase that fits that context.

How to form 一気に（いっきに）

一気に + Verb

Examples of the pattern:

• 一気に飲む
• 一気に片付ける

The form before the grammar point matters. In JLPT questions, the wrong answer choices often use a similar meaning but attach it to the wrong type of word.

When is 一気に（いっきに） used?

Use 一気に（いっきに） in situations like:

• doing something in one burst without pause
• expressing personal reactions, reasoning, or observations
• connecting ideas in formal and informal contexts

Tone and register:

• neutral/colloquial; lively tone
• Common in test questions, essays, daily conversation, and JLPT N2 reading

一気に（いっきに） example sentences

• ビールを一気に飲んだ。
• 仕事を一気に片付けた。
• 彼は一気に階段を駆け上がった。
• 値段が一気に上がった。
• 小説を一気に読み終えた。

After reading each sentence, ask what job 一気に（いっきに） is doing: an action is completed in one continuous, uninterrupted burst. That makes the nuance easier to remember than a one-word translation.

Nuance of 一気に（いっきに）

The key nuance is an action is completed in one continuous, uninterrupted burst.

This matters because learners often translate advanced grammar too literally. A pattern may look simple, but it can signal the writer’s attitude, the scope of a rule, or the relationship between two ideas.

For example:

• In context, it carries a specific, nuanced meaning that a simpler pattern would not convey.
• Compared with 一度に, it carries a different weight and implication.

一気に（いっきに） vs 一度に

Both 一気に（いっきに） and 一度に can express related ideas, but they are different.

一気に（いっきに）:

• an action is completed in one continuous, uninterrupted burst

一度に:

• at once; all at the same time

Quick contrast examples:

• 一気に飲んだ。
• 一度に飲んだ。

If both translations seem possible, check the tone. Is the sentence casual, formal, written, explanatory, or emotional? The tone often tells you which grammar point is natural.

Common mistakes with 一気に（いっきに）

Watch out for these mistakes:

• Translating it too literally without understanding the nuance
• Using it in contexts where the situation doesn’t match the grammar’s core meaning
• Confusing it with similar-looking but different grammar patterns

A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with 一気に（いっきに）, then rewrite it with 一度に. If the meaning or tone changes, explain that difference in your own words.

Is 一気に（いっきに） on the JLPT?

Yes. 一気に（いっきに） is commonly taught as JLPT N2 grammar.

That means learners should be able to:

• recognize it in reading
• understand its nuance in context
• use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions often test whether you understand the surrounding context, not just the dictionary meaning.

Practice questions for 一気に（いっきに）

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:

• Use 一気に（いっきに） in a sentence about a personal experience or observation.
• Write a sentence where the nuance of 一気に（いっきに） is necessary.
• Compare 一気に（いっきに） with 一度に in your own example.

Keep your first sentences simple. Once the structure feels natural, add more context so the nuance becomes clear.

Learning path for 一気に（いっきに）

To learn 一気に（いっきに） efficiently, start with its formation, then compare it with similar patterns, and finally practice in context.

1. First, make sure you can form 一気に（いっきに） without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with 一度に. These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.
3. Finally, write sentences where 一気に（いっきに） is necessary; then check whether replacing it with one of the related patterns below changes the meaning.

Related grammar to review next

• ままに — because it also involves doing something continuously as guided
• 再び（ふたたび） — because it also involves repeated or resumed actions
• か～ないかのうちに — because it also involves near-simultaneous sequences

Learn 一気に（いっきに） with Hane

If you want to review 一気に（いっきに） together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:

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