One-Point Lesson: gachi (ガチ)

Origin
Gachi is a clipped form of gachinko, a boxing-ring term for an all-out, no-fix fight. The early-2000s TV show Gachinko! spread the word, and social media later cemented gachi as slang meaning “seriously” or “for real.”

Meanings & Usage

1. Serious / earnest effort – “I studied gachi last night.”
2. Genuine / legit – “She’s a gachi pro gamer.”
3. Emphatic suffix-like element – highlights intensity or dedication: gachi-zei (“hard-core players”), gachi-koi (“true romantic feelings”).

Nuance
Compared with maji (“seriously”), gachi emphasizes total commitment and authenticity, often in competitive or skill-based contexts—no holding back.

Derivatives

• gachi-zei – devoted, high-level participants or fans
• gachi-koi – genuine romantic feelings (often toward an idol or streamer)

Example
“It’s gachi cold outside—take a jacket.”