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A2 verb #600 am häufigsten 8 Min. Lesezeit

きる

kiru Top 600

At the A1 level, 'kiru' (切る) is introduced as a simple action verb meaning 'to cut'. Students learn it primarily in the context of using scissors or a knife. The focus is on physical objects like paper (kami), bread (pan), or vegetables (yasai). At this stage, you only need to know the basic polite form 'kirimasu' and perhaps the 'te-form' 'kitte' for simple requests like 'Please cut this'. You might also see it in very basic compound words. The main goal is to distinguish it from other basic verbs like 'taberu' (eat) or 'miru' (see). You should practice the sentence pattern '[Object] o kirimasu'.

At the A2 level, the use of 'kiru' expands into daily life routines. You will learn to use it for 'cutting' hair (kami o kiru), 'cutting' (hanging up) the phone (denwa o kiru), and 'cutting' (turning off) power switches (suitchi o kiru). You will also start to see the potential form 'kireru', which can mean 'can cut' or 'is sharp'. A2 learners should be able to use 'kiru' in the past tense (kitta) and negative tense (kiranai). This is also where you must be very careful not to confuse it with 'kiru' (to wear), as the conjugations differ significantly. You will begin to use adverbs with 'kiru', such as 'chiisaku kiru' (cut small) or 'hanbun ni kiru' (cut in half).

At the B1 level, 'kiru' starts to take on more metaphorical and idiomatic meanings. You will learn expressions like 'te o kiru' (to sever a relationship) or 'kigen o kiru' (to set a deadline). You will also encounter 'kiru' as an auxiliary verb attached to the stem of another verb (the -kiru form). This indicates that an action is completed thoroughly or to the very end, such as 'tabe-kiru' (to eat it all) or 'yomi-kiru' (to finish reading). B1 learners should understand the nuance of 'kireru' when it refers to someone 'snapping' or losing their temper. You will also see it used in more formal contexts like 'nedan o kiru' (to lower/cut prices).

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the wide variety of idiomatic uses of 'kiru'. This includes phrases like 'shutter o kiru' (to take a photo), 'kaze o kiru' (to move swiftly), and 'mi o kiru' (heart-breaking/piercing). You will also learn more complex grammar involving the auxiliary '-kiru', such as 'shinjikiru' (to believe completely) or 'tsukaikiru' (to use up entirely). At this level, you should be able to distinguish 'kiru' from more specific synonyms like 'kizamu' (mince), 'saku' (tear), or 'tatsu' (sever) and choose the most appropriate word for the context. Your understanding of the potential form 'kireru' should include its use as 'to run out of' (e.g., abura ga kireru - to run out of oil).

At the C1 level, 'kiru' is used in sophisticated literary and professional contexts. You will encounter it in classical expressions or formal news reports. For example, 'shite-kiru' (to point out decisively) or 'dangen-suru' (to declare, often related to 'kiru' in spirit). You will understand the deep cultural nuances of 'en o kiru' (severing karmic ties) and how it relates to Japanese history and religion. You should be able to use 'kiru' in complex sentence structures to convey decisiveness or finality. You will also recognize its use in specialized fields like finance (cutting interest rates) or traditional arts (cutting movements in dance or martial arts).

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'kiru' and all its nuances. You can appreciate the wordplay in literature where 'kiru' might have multiple simultaneous meanings. You understand the historical evolution of the kanji 切 and how its meaning has shifted over centuries. You can use 'kiru' with perfect pitch accent and in the most appropriate register, whether it's extremely formal (honorifics) or very rough slang. You are aware of rare idioms and can use the '-kiru' auxiliary form with any verb to add a specific nuance of completion or exhaustion (e.g., 'omoi-kiru' - to give up or to do with all one's heart).

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

きる in 30 Sekunden

A fundamental verb meaning 'to cut' physically or metaphorically.
Used for cooking, haircuts, phone calls, and turning off power.
Functions as an auxiliary verb to mean 'doing something completely'.
A Godan verb, distinct from the Ichidan verb 'kiru' (to wear).

The Japanese verb 切る (きる - kiru) is a foundational action word that primarily translates to 'to cut' in English. However, its utility in the Japanese language extends far beyond the simple act of using a knife or scissors. At its core, きる represents the physical or metaphorical act of separation, disconnection, or termination. Whether you are slicing a loaf of bread, hanging up a phone call, or ending a long-term relationship, this verb is the go-to expression for Japanese speakers.

Physical Action: The most common use involves using a sharp tool to divide something. This includes cutting paper with scissors (hasami de kami o kiru) or chopping vegetables in the kitchen (yasai o kiru).
Communication & Technology: In the digital age, きる is used to describe 'hanging up' a phone or 'cutting' a connection. When you finish a call, you 'denwa o kiru'. It also applies to turning off switches or power sources.
Abstract Disconnection: Metaphorically, it refers to severing ties (en o kiru) or setting a limit/deadline (kigen o kiru). It implies a definitive end to a state or a connection.

包丁でパンをきります。
(Houchou de pan o kirimasu.)
I will cut the bread with a kitchen knife.

When using きる, you are often focusing on the result of the action—the fact that something which was once whole or connected is now divided. In social contexts, it can sound quite blunt or decisive. For example, 'shutter o kiru' refers to pressing the shutter button on a camera, effectively 'cutting' a moment in time to capture a photo. In card games, 'tofu o kiru' means to discard a card, effectively cutting it from your hand. The versatility of this word makes it one of the most important verbs for an A2 learner to master, as it appears in cooking, office work, social interactions, and technical descriptions.

ハサミで紙をきってください。
(Hasami de kami o kitte kudasai.)
Please cut the paper with scissors.

Social Nuance: Using 'kiru' regarding relationships (te o kiru) is very strong and usually implies a permanent break. Use it carefully!

電話をきらないでください。
(Denwa o kiranaide kudasai.)
Please don't hang up the phone.

Grammatically, 切る (きる) is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object marked by the particle を (o). The basic structure is [Subject] が [Object] を [Instrument] で切る. Understanding the conjugation of this Godan verb is critical for correct sentence formation.

Conjugation Basics: Dictionary: kiru (切る). Polite: kirimasu (切ります). Negative: kiranai (切らない). Te-form: kitte (切って). Past: kitta (切った). Potential: kireru (切れる).

彼は爪をきっています。
(Kare wa tsume o kitte imasu.)
He is cutting his nails.

One of the most interesting ways きる is used is as an auxiliary verb attached to the Masu-stem of other verbs. In this form, it means 'to do something completely' or 'to do something to the very end.' For example, 'tabe-kiru' means to eat everything up, and 'yomi-kiru' means to finish reading a whole book. This usage is common in B1 and B2 levels but is worth noting even at A2.

このナイフはよくきれます。
(Kono naifu wa yoku kiremasu.)
This knife cuts well (is sharp).

In the kitchen, you will often hear the command きってください (kitte kudasai). If you are asking someone to cut something into specific shapes, you might add an adverb or a noun. For example, 'hosoku kiru' (cut thinly) or 'shikaku kiru' (cut into squares). The particle に (ni) is often used for the resulting shape: 'hanbun ni kiru' (cut into halves).

リンゴを半分にきりました。
(Ringo o hanbun ni kirimashita.)
I cut the apple in half.

Common Patterns: [Noun] o kiru: To cut [Noun].
[Verb stem] + kiru: To do [Verb] completely.
[Noun] o kitte shimau: To accidentally cut [Noun] or to finish cutting it.

You will encounter 切る (きる) in a variety of real-life Japanese scenarios. It is one of those 'high-frequency' verbs that bridges the gap between basic survival Japanese and natural fluency. Let's look at the most common environments where you'll hear it.

In the Kitchen (Daidokoro): Cooking shows and recipes are filled with this word. You'll hear 'yasai o kitte' (cut the vegetables) or 'niku o atsuku kiru' (cut the meat thickly). It's the standard term for any slicing or dicing action.
At the Hair Salon (Biyoushitsu): When you go for a haircut, you say 'kami o kitte kudasai' (Please cut my hair). The stylist might ask, 'Dono kurai kirimasu ka?' (How much shall I cut?).
On the Phone (Denwa): When ending a conversation, instead of just saying 'goodbye', Japanese people often say 'Sore dewa, kiremasu ne' (Well then, I'll hang up) or simply 'kirimasu yo' in more casual settings.

髪を５センチくらいきってください。
(Kami o go-senchi kurai kitte kudasai.)
Please cut my hair about 5 centimeters.

In business contexts, きる is used for 'cutting' prices (nedan o kiru) or setting deadlines. You might also hear it in sports, such as 'kaze o kiru' (cutting through the wind) to describe someone running very fast. In the world of photography, 'shutter o kiru' is the standard way to say 'take a photo'. Even in card games like Poker or Hanafuda, 'shuffling' or 'cutting' the deck uses this verb.

スイッチをきりましたか？
(Suitchi o kirimashita ka?)
Did you turn off the switch?

Finally, you will hear it in the phrase 'kireta!' which is slang for 'I've lost my patience!' or 'I've snapped!'. This comes from the idea of a string or a fuse 'cutting' or snapping due to tension. If someone says 'Kare wa sugu kireru', it means 'He loses his temper easily'.

For English speakers learning Japanese, 切る (きる) presents a few specific hurdles. The most notorious is the 'Kiru vs. Kiru' confusion. There are two different verbs that are both pronounced 'kiru' but belong to different conjugation classes and have completely different meanings.

The 'Wear' vs. 'Cut' Trap: 切る (to cut) is a Godan verb. Its negative is 'kiranai' and its te-form is 'kitte'. 着る (to wear) is an Ichidan verb. Its negative is 'kinai' and its te-form is 'kite'. Mixing these up is a very common beginner mistake.
Transitive vs. Intransitive: Learners often confuse 'kiru' (to cut something) with 'kireru' (to be cut / to be sharp). Remember: 'Watashi wa kami o kiru' (I cut paper) vs. 'Kami ga kireru' (The paper gets cut / is cuttable).

❌ シャツをきります。
(Shatsu o kirimasu - Wrong if you mean 'wear')
✅ シャツをきます。
(Shatsu o kimasu - Correct for 'wear')

Another mistake involves the use of particles. When cutting something *into* a shape, you must use に (ni), not を (o) for the result. For example, 'Yotsu ni kiru' (Cut into four pieces). Using 'Yotsu o kiru' would mean you are cutting four specific things, not dividing one thing into four.

Finally, don't over-use きる for 'turning off' everything. While it works for switches and power, for lights and electronic devices, けす (kesu) is often more natural. 'Terebi o kesu' (Turn off the TV) is more common than 'Terebi o kiru', though the latter is understood as 'cutting the power'.

野菜を細かくきりすぎました。
(Yasai o komakaku kirisugimashita.)
I cut the vegetables too finely.

While 切る (きる) is the general term for cutting, Japanese has several more specific verbs that you should know as you progress toward B1 and B2 levels. Choosing the right 'cut' makes your Japanese sound much more natural and precise.

刻む (きざむ - Kizamu): This means 'to mince' or 'to chop finely'. Use this when you are dicing onions or garlic. It also means 'to engrave' or 'to carve' (like on a stone monument).
割る (わる - Waru): While 'kiru' uses a blade, 'waru' means to split or crack open. You 'waru' an egg or 'waru' wood with an axe. It implies splitting something along a natural line or by force.
断つ (たつ - Tatsu): This is a more formal version of 'kiru' used for severing or cutting off. It is often used for abstract things like 'cutting off a bad habit' (sake o tatsu - quit drinking) or 'severing communication'.
裂く (さく - Saku): This means 'to tear' or 'to rip'. You use this for cloth or paper when you aren't using a tool but rather your hands to pull it apart.

ニンニクを細かくきざみます。
(Ninniku o komakaku kizamimasu.)
I will mince the garlic finely.

When comparing きる and そる (soru), remember that 'soru' is specifically for shaving (like a beard or legs). You wouldn't use 'kiru' for shaving unless you actually meant you were cutting the skin! Similarly, かる (karu) is used for mowing grass or shearing wool. Each of these verbs specifies the *way* or *context* of the cutting.

悪い習慣をたちましょう。
(Warui shuukan o tachimashou.)
Let's cut off (quit) bad habits.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

"こちらで電話をお切りいたします。"

Neutral

"野菜を切ってください。"

Informell

"もう切るね。"

Child friendly

"ハサミでチョキチョキきろうね。"

Umgangssprache

"あいつ、マジで切れたわ。"

Wusstest du?

The kanji for 'kiru' (切) contains the radical for 'sword' (刀). Historically, the ability to 'cut' was central to samurai culture, leading to many idioms involving 'cutting' that are still used in business today.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ki.ɾɯ/

US /ki.ɾu/

Atamadaka (High-Low) - The first syllable is high, the second is low.

Reimt sich auf

Hiriru (to sting) Shiru (to know) Miru (to see) Iru (to be) Hashiru (to run) Kiru (to wear) Niru (to boil) Taru (to suffice)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' (keep it as a tap).
Confusing the pitch with 'Kiru' (to wear), which is Heiban (Low-High).
Elongating the 'u' too much.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

The kanji 切 is simple (JLPT N4), but the word is often written in hiragana in casual contexts.

Schreiben 2/5

The kanji is easy to write with only 4 strokes.

Sprechen 3/5

Must be careful with pitch accent to distinguish from 'to wear'.

Hören 3/5

Context is key to distinguishing between 'cut' and 'wear' in rapid speech.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

ナイフ (knife) はさみ (scissors) 紙 (paper) 電話 (phone) 野菜 (vegetables)

Als Nächstes lernen

刻む (kizamu) 割る (waru) 断つ (tatsu) ～切る (auxiliary) 切手 (kitte - stamp)

Fortgeschritten

腹切り (harakiri) 見切り発車 (mikiri-hassha) 一線を画す (issen o kakusu)

Wichtige Grammatik

Godan Verb Conjugation

切る (kiru) -> 切らない (kiranai) -> 切ります (kirimasu)

Te-form for Requests

切ってください (Please cut)

Potential Form for Ability/Sharpness

このナイフはよく切れる (This knife cuts well)

Auxiliary Verb -kiru

読み切る (Finish reading)

Transitive Verb with 'o'

紙を切る (Cut paper)

Beispiele nach Niveau

ハサミで紙を切ります。

I cut paper with scissors.

Uses the instrument particle 'de' and the object particle 'o'.

パンを切ってください。

Please cut the bread.

The 'te-form' + kudasai is used for making requests.

りんごを切りました。

I cut the apple.

Past tense polite form of 'kiru'.

ナイフで肉を切ります。

I cut meat with a knife.

Standard transitive verb usage.

これを切らないでください。

Please don't cut this.

Negative 'nai-form' + de kudasai for negative requests.

ケーキを八つに切ります。

I will cut the cake into eight pieces.

The particle 'ni' indicates the resulting number of pieces.

お母さんは野菜を切っています。

My mother is cutting vegetables.

Present continuous form 'te-iru'.

だれが紙を切りましたか？

Who cut the paper?

Question form using 'dare' (who).

電話を切ってもいいですか？

May I hang up the phone?

'Te-form' + mo ii desu ka asks for permission.

髪を短く切りました。

I cut my hair short.

The adjective 'mijikai' becomes 'mijika-ku' when modifying a verb.

スイッチを切ってください。

Please turn off the switch.

'Kiru' is used here for turning off power.

このハサミはよく切れます。

These scissors cut well (are sharp).

'Kireru' is the potential form, meaning 'can cut' or 'is sharp'.

つめを切るのを忘れないで。

Don't forget to cut your nails.

'Kiru no' nominalizes the verb to make it the object of 'wasurenaide'.

野菜を小さく切ってください。

Please cut the vegetables small.

Adverbial use of 'chiisai' (small).

彼は急に電話を切った。

He suddenly hung up the phone.

Casual past tense 'kitta'.

テレビの電源を切りました。

I turned off the TV power.

'Dengen' (power source) is the object.

彼は彼女との縁を切った。

He severed his ties with her.

'En o kiru' is a common idiom for ending a relationship.

この本を一日で読み切りました。

I finished reading this book in one day.

The auxiliary '-kiru' indicates completion.

期限を切る必要があります。

It is necessary to set a deadline.

'Kigen o kiru' means to set a time limit.

彼は怒って、ついに切れてしまった。

He got angry and finally snapped.

'Kireru' as slang for losing one's temper.

このステーキはナイフで簡単に切れる。

This steak can be easily cut with a knife.

Potential form 'kireru' used for ease of action.

彼はマラソンを走り切った。

He ran the whole marathon to the end.

Compound verb 'hashiri-kiru'.

カードをよく切ってください。

Please shuffle the cards well.

'Kiru' is the standard term for shuffling/cutting cards.

指を切ってしまいました。

I accidentally cut my finger.

'Te-shimau' indicates an accidental or regrettable action.

カメラのシャッターを切る。

To press the camera shutter.

Standard collocation for taking a photo.

彼は自分の退路を断った。

He cut off his own line of retreat.

'Tatsu' is a more formal/literary synonym for 'kiru'.

在庫を売り切るために値下げした。

We lowered prices to sell out the stock.

'Uri-kiru' means to sell everything.

そのニュースを聞いて、身を切られる思いだった。

Hearing that news felt like my body was being cut (heart-breaking).

'Mi o kiru' is an idiom for intense emotional pain.

風を切って自転車で走る。

To cycle fast, cutting through the wind.

'Kaze o kiru' describes swift, smooth movement.

彼は信じ切っていた友人に裏切られた。

He was betrayed by a friend he had completely trusted.

'Shinji-kiru' means to trust without any doubt.

スタートの合図で一斉にスタートを切った。

They all started at once at the start signal.

'Start o kiru' means to begin a race or project.

この包丁は全く切れない。

This knife doesn't cut at all (is dull).

Negative potential form 'kirenai' means 'dull'.

彼は反対派の意見をスパッと切り捨てた。

He decisively cut down (rejected) the opposition's opinions.

'Kiri-suteru' means to prune, discard, or reject decisively.

自腹を切ってプロジェクトを成功させた。

He paid out of his own pocket to make the project a success.

'Jibara o kiru' is an idiom for paying with one's own money.

この作品は、現代社会の闇を鋭く切り取っている。

This work sharply cuts out (portrays) the darkness of modern society.

'Kiri-toru' means to capture or portray a specific aspect.

彼は政界とのコネを完全に断ち切った。

He completely severed his connections with the political world.

'Tachi-kiru' is a strong verb for severing ties.

彼女は迷いを振り切って、留学を決めた。

She shook off her doubts and decided to study abroad.

'Furi-kiru' means to shake off or break free from.

そのボクサーは、鮮やかなカウンターで勝負を切った。

The boxer decided the match with a brilliant counter-punch.

'Shoubu o kiru' means to settle or decide a contest.

彼は大役を立派に成し遂げ、有終の美を飾った。

He completed his great task splendidly and ended on a high note.

Related to the concept of 'completing' (kiru).

腹を切る覚悟で交渉に臨んだ。

He approached the negotiations prepared to commit seppuku (take full responsibility).

'Hara o kiru' refers to the historical ritual but is used metaphorically for taking ultimate responsibility.

言下に切り捨てるような物言いに、周囲は凍り付いた。

The surroundings froze at his manner of speaking, which seemed to cut others down instantly.

'Genka ni' (instantly) combined with 'kiri-suteru'.

彼は、千載一遇の好機にスタートを切るタイミングを逸した。

He missed the timing to start at a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Complex sentence with 'start o kiru'.

その老舗旅館は、伝統を守りつつも、悪習を断つ勇気を持っていた。

That long-established inn had the courage to cut off bad customs while preserving tradition.

'Akushu o tatsu' (severing bad customs).

彼は、衆人環視の中で自らの非を認め、潔く身を引いた。

He admitted his fault in front of everyone and gracefully stepped down.

Related to the 'decisiveness' of 'kiru'.

この論文は、問題の本質を的確に切り込んでいる。

This thesis cuts accurately into the essence of the problem.

'Kiri-komu' means to cut into or delve deep into a topic.

彼は、絶体絶命のピンチを、機転を利かせて切り抜けた。

He got through a desperate situation by using his wits.

'Kiri-nukeru' means to struggle through or survive a crisis.

その政治家は、旧態依然とした組織にメスを入れると宣言した。

The politician declared he would perform surgery (take drastic measures) on the outdated organization.

'Mesu o ireru' (to put in a scalpel) is a high-level idiom related to cutting.

彼は、恩師との今生の別れに、断腸の思いで背を向けた。

He turned his back with heart-wrenching grief at the final parting from his mentor.

'Danchou' (cutting the intestines) is a literary term for extreme grief.

Häufige Kollokationen

電話を切る

野菜を切る

髪を切る

スイッチを切る

シャッターを切る

縁を切る

爪を切る

期限を切る

カードを切る

スタートを切る

Häufige Phrasen

切っても切れない

手を切る

火蓋を切る

口火を切る

風を切る

しびれを切らす

見栄を切る

腹を切る

大見得を切る

自腹を切る

Wird oft verwechselt mit

きる vs 着る (kiru)

Means 'to wear'. Different conjugation (Ichidan) and pitch accent.

きる vs 居る (iru)

Means 'to be'. Similar sound but different meaning and conjugation.

きる vs 斬る (kiru)

Means 'to slay' with a sword. Same pronunciation, but specific to samurai/swords.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"身を切るような"

Extremely painful, usually referring to cold or sadness.

身を切るような寒さだ。

Literary

"首を切る"

To fire someone from their job.

不況で多くの社員が首を切られた。

Colloquial

"手を切る"

To break off a relationship.

ギャンブルと手を切る。

Neutral

"裏をかく (related to kiru)"

To outwit someone (cutting behind).

相手の裏をかいて勝利した。

Neutral

"啖呵を切る"

To speak sharply or defiantly.

彼女は威勢よく啖呵を切った。

Colloquial

"見切りをつける"

To give up on something/someone.

この計画には見切りをつけた。

Neutral

"一線を画す (related to kiru)"

To draw a line (cut a line) between things.

彼の才能は他とは一線を画している。

Formal

"千枚通しで穴をあける (contextual)"

While not using 'kiru', it's the 'cut' of a punch.

N/A

"腹を割って話す (related)"

To speak honestly (cutting open the belly).

腹を割って話し合おう。

Idiomatic

"縁を切る"

To sever all ties.

過去の自分と縁を切る。

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

きる vs 着る (kiru)

Same pronunciation (kiru).

'Cut' is Godan (kiranai), 'Wear' is Ichidan (kinai). 'Cut' is High-Low pitch, 'Wear' is Low-High.

服を着る (Wear clothes) vs 紙を切る (Cut paper).

きる vs 斬る (kiru)

Same pronunciation and similar meaning.

'斬る' is specifically for killing a person with a blade (samurai context). '切る' is general.

侍が敵を斬る (The samurai slays the enemy).

きる vs 刻む (kizamu)

Both involve cutting.

'Kizamu' is specifically for mincing or chopping into very small pieces.

玉ねぎを刻む (Mince onions).

きる vs 割る (waru)

Both divide things.

'Waru' is splitting or cracking (no blade needed), 'Kiru' uses a blade.

卵を割る (Crack an egg).

きる vs 断つ (tatsu)

Both mean to cut/sever.

'Tatsu' is more formal and used for abstract things like ties or habits.

縁を断つ (Sever ties).

Satzmuster

[Noun] を切ります。

パンを切ります。

[Noun] を切ってください。

紙を切ってください。

[Noun] を [Adverb] 切る。

髪を短く切る。

[Noun] を [Number] に切る。

リンゴを二つに切る。

[Verb stem] 切る。

最後まで走り切る。

[Noun] が切れる。

包丁がよく切れる。

[Noun] との縁を切る。

彼との縁を切る。

[Noun] を切り捨てる。

無駄な予算を切り捨てる。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Adjektive

Verwandt

So verwendest du es

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and media.

Häufige Fehler

Using 'kinai' for 'don't cut'. → kiranai
'Kiru' (cut) is a Godan verb, so the negative is 'kiranai'. 'Kinai' is the negative of 'wear'.
Using 'kite' for 'cut and...'. → kitte
The te-form of 'kiru' (cut) is 'kitte' (small tsu). 'Kite' is the te-form of 'wear' or 'come'.
Using 'o' for the result of cutting. → ni
When cutting something into pieces, use 'ni' for the result (e.g., 'futatsu ni kiru').
Using 'kiru' for turning off a light. → kesu
While 'suitchi o kiru' is okay, 'denki o kesu' is more natural for lights.
Confusing 'kiru' and 'kireru'. → kiru (transitive) / kireru (intransitive)
'Kiru' is the action you do; 'kireru' is the state of the object or the ability to cut.

Tipps

Conjugation Check

Always remember that 'kiru' (cut) is a Godan verb. This means the 'u' changes to 'a' in the negative: 'kiranai'. This is the easiest way to tell it apart from 'wear' (kinai).

Pitch Accent

In Tokyo dialect, 'Kiru' (cut) has a high-to-low pitch. 'Kiru' (wear) has a low-to-high pitch. Practicing this will make you sound much more native.

Compound Verbs

Learn compound verbs like 'uri-kiru' (sell out) and 'omoi-kiru' (decide). They are very common in daily Japanese and use 'kiru' to show completion.

Taboo Words

Be careful using 'kiru' at weddings. It's considered an 'imikotoba' (unlucky word) because it suggests separation. Use 'nyuukan' (entering the cake) or other phrases instead.

Kitchen Verbs

While 'kiru' is fine, try using 'kizamu' for mincing and 'usu-giri' for slicing thinly to sound more like a pro chef.

Ending Calls

'Kirimasu' is the standard way to say 'I'm hanging up now'. It's polite and clear.

Haircuts

When at a salon, '5-senchi kurai kitte kudasai' (Please cut about 5cm) is a perfect phrase to use.

Losing Temper

'Kireta!' is very common in anime and casual speech. It means 'I'm mad!' or 'I've had enough!'

Kanji Radical

The right side of 切 is 刀 (sword). If you see the sword, you know it's the 'cut' kiru, not the 'wear' kiru.

Severing Ties

'En o kiru' is a very serious phrase. Only use it when you mean a permanent and total end to a relationship.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine a 'KEY' (ki) being used to 'ROOT' (ru) out a piece of paper by cutting it. Or, think of 'KILLING' the connection when you hang up the phone.

Visuelle Assoziation

Visualize a sharp chef's knife slicing through a bright red tomato. The sound 'ki' is the sharp strike, and 'ru' is the knife sliding through.

Word Web

Knife Scissors Phone Hair Deadline Complete Sharp Relationship

Herausforderung

Try to use 'kiru' in three different ways today: once for food, once for an electronic device, and once for a metaphorical end (like finishing a task).

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Old Japanese verb 'kiru'. The kanji 切 consists of 七 (seven) and 刀 (sword/knife).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To divide or cut with a blade.

Japonic

Kultureller Kontext

Avoid using 'en o kiru' (severing ties) lightly, as it is very strong. Be mindful of 'imikotoba' at weddings.

English uses 'cut' similarly for physical acts and 'cutting ties', but Japanese uses 'kiru' for hanging up phones where English says 'hang up'.

The ritual of Seppuku (Hara-kiri) is the most famous historical reference. 'Kiru' is a famous 1962 samurai film by Kenji Misumi. The anime 'Kill la Kill' plays with the homophones 'Kiru' (to cut, to wear, and to kill).

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Cooking

野菜を刻む (mince vegetables)
肉を薄く切る (slice meat thinly)
半分に切る (cut in half)
一口サイズに切る (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Office/Work

期限を切る (set a deadline)
シュレッダーで紙を切る (shred paper)
電話を切る (hang up)
予算を切り詰める (cut the budget)

Grooming

髪を切る (cut hair)
爪を切る (cut nails)
前髪を切る (cut bangs)
髭を剃る (shave beard - related)

Photography

シャッターを切る (press the shutter)
構図を切り取る (crop a composition)
背景を切り抜く (cut out the background)
連写で切る (take continuous shots)

Relationships

縁を切る (sever ties)
手を切る (stop dealing with)
連絡を断つ (cut off contact)
過去を断ち切る (cut off the past)

Gesprächseinstiege

"最近、髪を切りましたか？ (Did you cut your hair recently?)"

"この野菜はどうやって切ればいいですか？ (How should I cut these vegetables?)"

"電話を切る前に、もう一つ質問してもいいですか？ (Can I ask one more question before I hang up?)"

"玉ねぎを刻むと涙が出ませんか？ (Don't you cry when you mince onions?)"

"どうやって悪い習慣を断ち切りましたか？ (How did you cut off your bad habits?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

今日、何かを切りましたか？ (Did you cut something today?)

美容院で髪を切った時の感想を書いてください。 (Write about your feelings when you got your hair cut at the salon.)

「縁を切る」ということについて、どう思いますか？ (What do you think about 'severing ties'?)

最近、何かの期限を切りましたか？ (Did you set a deadline for something recently?)

「食べ切る」のが大変だった料理はありますか？ (Is there a dish that was hard to finish eating?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Check the conjugation and context. If you hear 'kiranai' or 'kitte', it's 'cut'. If you hear 'kinai' or 'kite', it's 'wear'. Also, if the object is 'clothes', it's 'wear'; if it's 'paper' or 'phone', it's 'cut'.

You can use 'suitchi o kiru' (cut the switch), but for the light itself, 'denki o kesu' (turn off the light) is more common.

It means someone has 'snapped' or lost their temper. It's like a fuse or a string cutting under pressure.

No, for skipping class, Japanese uses 'saboru'.

Use 'hanbun ni kiru' (半分に切る).

The potential form is 'kireru' (切れる), which means 'can cut' or 'is sharp'.

Yes, 'kaado o kiru' is the standard way to say shuffle or cut cards.

It means to do that action completely or to the very end (e.g., 'tabekiru' = eat it all).

'Kami o kiru' (髪を切る).

'Kiru' is transitive (uses 'o'). 'Kireru' can be intransitive (meaning 'to be cut').