Understanding 結構（けっこう）- The Japanese Word with 3 Different Meanings

If you're learning Japanese, you've likely encountered 結構（けっこう）in conversations, anime, or Japanese content. This incredibly common word can confuse learners because it has three completely different meanings depending on the context.

Let's explore each usage with practical examples you'll actually hear in daily conversation.

Meaning 1: "Pretty / Quite / Fairly" (Positive Emphasis)

When 結構 comes before an adjective or verb, it acts as an intensifier meaning "quite" or "pretty" in a positive way.

Examples:

• この本、結構おもしろいね！
  Kono hon, kekkou omoshiroi ne!
  This book is quite interesting!

• 今日は結構暑いですね。
  Kyou wa kekkou atsui desu ne.
  It's pretty hot today, isn't it?

• 彼は結構背が高い。
  Kare wa kekkou se ga takai.
  He's fairly tall.

This usage suggests something is better or more significant than expected.

Meaning 2: "No, Thank You" (Polite Refusal)

When someone offers you something, responding with 結構です politely declines their offer. This is extremely common in service situations.

Common scenarios:

At a convenience store:

• レシートはいかがですか？Reshiito wa ikaga desu ka? (Would you like a receipt?)
• 結構です。Kekkou desu. (No, thank you.)

At a restaurant:

• お水のおかわりはいかがですか？Omizu no okawari wa ikaga desu ka? (Would you like more water?)
• 結構です。Kekkou desu. (I'm fine, thanks.)

In the office:

• コーヒーはいかがですか？Koohii wa ikaga desu ka? (Would you like some coffee?)
• 結構です、ありがとうございます。Kekkou desu, arigatou gozaimasu. (No thank you, I appreciate it.)

Meaning 3: "That's Fine / That's Enough" (Acceptance or Stopping)

This usage indicates satisfaction with a current state or a desire to stop something.

Examples:

In a taxi:

• この辺で結構です。
  Kono hen de kekkou desu.
  Here is fine. (You can drop me off here.)

When someone is explaining something at length:

• もうその話は結構です。
  Mou sono hanashi wa kekkou desu.
  That's enough about that topic.

When offered more food:

• もう結構です。
  Mou kekkou desu.
  I've had enough. (I'm full.)

How to Distinguish the Meanings

Context clues to help you:

1. Position in sentence: Before adjectives = "quite/pretty"
2. Response to offers: Standalone = "no thank you"
3. With もう (mou): Usually means "enough/fine"
4. Tone and situation: Polite service contexts often indicate refusal

Practice Recognition

Try identifying the meaning in these sentences:

1. この映画は結構長いですね。
2. お箸はいかがですか？結構です。
3. もう結構です、ありがとうございました。

Answers: 1) quite/pretty, 2) no thank you, 3) that's enough

Using 結構 Naturally

Start by using it in positive descriptions - it's the safest and most common usage:

• 結構いいですね (That's pretty good)
• 結構難しい (Quite difficult)
• 結構便利 (Pretty convenient)

Once comfortable, practice the polite refusal in low-pressure situations like convenience stores.

Quick Reference

Usage	Meaning	Example
Before adjectives	"Quite/Pretty"	結構いい
Response to offers	"No, thank you"	結構です
With もう	"That's enough"	もう結構

Master this versatile word and you'll sound more natural in Japanese conversations. Pay attention to context, and you'll quickly recognize which meaning applies in each situation.