Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn the word 切る (kiru). It means 'to cut'. Imagine you have a big piece of paper, and you use scissors. Snip, snip! You cut the paper. That is 切る. Or, when you eat, maybe you cut your food with a knife. You cut your food. You can also say you cut a tomato. It's a very simple action. You use a tool, like scissors or a knife, to make something into smaller pieces. That is 切る.
The verb 切る (kiru) means 'to cut'. You use it when you divide something using a sharp tool like a knife or scissors. For example, you might cut a cake for a birthday party (ケーキを切る - keeki o kiru). Or, you could cut vegetables when you are cooking (野菜を切る - yasai o kiru). Sometimes, we use it when we finish talking on the phone; we hang up the phone (電話を切る - denwa o kiru). This is also a type of 'cutting' the connection.
切る (kiru) is a versatile verb meaning 'to cut'. It's used for physical actions like cutting paper with scissors (紙を切る - kami o kiru) or chopping ingredients for a meal (料理の材料を切る - ryouri no zairyou o kiru). It's also used idiomatically. For instance, 電話を切る (denwa o kiru) means to hang up the phone. A more serious usage is 関係を切る (kankei o kiru), which means to sever ties or end a relationship with someone. Understanding these different contexts will greatly improve your fluency.
The Japanese verb 切る (kiru) encompasses both literal and figurative meanings of 'to cut'. Literally, it refers to the act of severing with a sharp implement, such as cutting fabric (布を切る - nuno o kiru) or slicing meat (肉を切る - niku o kiru). Figuratively, it can denote ending something abruptly, like ending a phone call (電話を切る - denwa o kiru) or, more significantly, terminating a relationship (縁を切る - en o kiru). Be aware of the particle direct object marker 'o' (を) which typically follows the thing being cut.
Mastering 切る (kiru) involves appreciating its semantic range, from the mundane act of cutting vegetables (野菜を刻む - yasai o kizamu, a nuance of kiru) to the decisive severance of social bonds (関係を断つ - kankei o tatsu, a synonym of en o kiru). The verb's flexibility allows it to signify abrupt endings, such as cutting off communication (連絡を絶つ - renraku o tatsu) or even, in a more extreme sense, ending one's life (自ら命を断つ - mizukara inochi o tatsu). Its usage in compound verbs, like 踏み切る (fumikiru - to make a decision, leap) or 思い切る (omoikiru - to resolve, give up), further expands its expressive power.
The verb 切る (kiru) represents a fundamental semantic field of division and separation. Its etymology, linked to the character 切 depicting a blade, grounds its primary meaning. However, its evolution has led to a rich tapestry of idiomatic and metaphorical applications. Consider its use in expressing finality, such as in 切り札 (kirifuda) - trump card, literally 'cutting card', implying the decisive end of a play. Or the expression 切りがない (kiri ga nai) - endless, inexhaustible, suggesting something that cannot be 'cut off'. The nuances of 切る, especially when contrasted with synonyms like 裁つ (tatsu - to cut, tailor) or 削る (kezuru - to shave, pare), reveal the depth of the Japanese lexicon.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 切る (kiru) is the Japanese verb for 'to cut'.
- It applies to physical cutting (bread, vegetables) and abstract concepts (phone calls, relationships).
- Common collocations include パンを切る, 野菜を切る, and 電話を切る.
- Be aware of homophones like 着る (kiru - to wear) and related verbs like 刻む (kizamu - to mince).
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese verb 切る (kiru). At its core, it means 'to cut'. Think about using a knife to slice bread, scissors to snip a thread, or even a sword to slice through something. It's a fundamental action, and this verb covers a lot of ground!
But wait, there's more! 切る isn't just about physical cutting. It can also be used metaphorically. For instance, you can 'cut' a phone call (電話を切る - denwa o kiru), meaning to hang up. Or you might 'cut' ties with someone (縁を切る - en o kiru), which means to end a relationship. So, while the image of a sharp blade is central, remember its broader applications!
The verb 切る (kiru) has a long history, tracing its roots back to ancient Japanese. The character 切 itself is believed to have originated from a pictograph depicting a knife (刀 - katana) cutting through something. Over centuries, this character and the associated verb evolved, absorbing nuances and expanding its usage.
In early Japanese literature, you'll find 切る used in contexts of warfare, agriculture, and daily life, all revolving around the physical act of severing. The metaphorical extensions, like cutting off communication or relationships, likely developed as society became more complex and abstract concepts needed linguistic tools. It's fascinating how a simple action verb can adapt to express complex social and emotional states!
You'll be using 切る all the time! The most common usage is with tangible objects. Think パンを切る (pan o kiru) - to cut bread, or 紙を切る (kami o kiru) - to cut paper. When you're cooking, you'll often 野菜を切る (yasai o kiru) - to chop vegetables.
Beyond physical cutting, pay attention to its use with abstract concepts. 電話を切る (denwa o kiru) is 'to hang up the phone', and 関係を切る (kankei o kiru) means 'to break off relations'. The formality level is generally neutral, suitable for most everyday situations. However, in very formal writing, you might see more specific verbs, but 切る remains a versatile workhorse.
切る pops up in some really interesting expressions! Here are a few:
- 首を切る (kubi o kiru): Literally 'to cut the neck', this idiom means to fire someone from their job. Example: 会社は彼に首を切った (Kaisha wa kare ni kubi o kitta) - The company fired him.
- 鼻をへし折る (hana o heshi oru): While this doesn't directly use 切る, it relates to cutting down someone's pride. It means to humble someone or put them in their place. Example: 彼の傲慢さを鼻をへし折ってやった (Kare no goumansa o hana o heshi otte yatta) - I humbled his arrogance. (Note: 'heshi oru' is the verb here, not 'kiru')
- 歯を食いしばる (ha o kuishibaru): This means to grit one's teeth, to endure hardship. While not using 切る, it evokes a sense of 'cutting' through pain or difficulty. Example: 彼は痛みに歯を食いしばった (Kare wa itami ni ha o kuishibatta) - He gritted his teeth against the pain. (Again, 'kuishibaru' is the verb)
- 縁を切る (en o kiru): As mentioned, this means to cut ties or sever a relationship with someone. Example: 彼女は長年の友人と縁を切ることにした (Kanojo wa naganen no yuujin to en o kiru koto ni shita) - She decided to cut ties with her long-time friend.
- 油を売る (abura o uru): This idiom means to slack off or waste time, literally 'to sell oil'. It doesn't use 切る, but the idea of 'cutting' into productive time is implied. Example: 彼は仕事中に油を売っていた (Kare wa shigotochuu ni abura o utte ita) - He was slacking off during work.
It's important to note that while 切る is a core verb, some related idioms use different verbs to express similar concepts of severing or enduring. Always check the specific verb used!
切る (kiru) is a Group 1 verb (a 'u'-verb) in Japanese, which means it follows a regular conjugation pattern. For example, its past tense is 切った (kitta), and its negative form is 切らない (kiranai). The te-form, crucial for many grammatical structures, is 切って (katte).
Pronunciation is straightforward: 'ki' followed by 'ru'. The 'r' sound is a light flap, similar to the 'tt' in the American English word 'butter' or the Spanish 'r' in 'pero'. It's not a hard, rolled 'r'. In Japanese, stress is generally flat, so you don't emphasize one syllable over another like in English. Rhyming words are less of a focus in Japanese due to its syllable structure, but words ending in '-iru' might share similar sounds.
Fun Fact
The kanji '切' is thought to be a pictograph of a knife cutting through something, possibly a tendon or bone.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'kee-roo', with a light flap 'r' sound, similar to the 'tt' in American English 'butter'.
Sounds like 'kee-roo', with a light flap 'r' sound, similar to the 'tt' in 'butter' or the Spanish 'r' in 'pero'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'r' too strongly, like an English 'r'.
- Adding stress to the 'ki' syllable instead of a flat intonation.
- Confusing with 着る (kiru - to wear), which sounds identical but has a different meaning.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Kanji can be challenging, but common verb is frequent.
Conjugations and metaphorical usage require practice.
Pronunciation is manageable, but choosing the right context is key.
Homophones and metaphorical uses can be tricky.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Verb Conjugation (Group 1)
切る -> 切った (past), 切らない (negative), 切って (te-form)
Using で for Tools
ハサミで切る (cut with scissors)
Nominalization with の
切る のが上手です (good at cutting)
Potential Form
切れる (kireru - can cut / be cut)
Examples by Level
ナイフでパンを切る。
Knife-with bread-object-marker cut.
The particle 'で (de)' indicates the tool used.
ハサミで紙を切る。
Scissors-with paper-object-marker cut.
ハサミ (hasami) means scissors.
野菜を切ります。
Vegetables-object-marker cut (polite).
The polite '-masu' form is used here.
りんごを切ってください。
Apple-object-marker cut please.
'〜てください (te kudasai)' is used for polite requests.
この線は切る。
This line-object-marker cut.
Direct object marker 'を (o)' is used.
電話を切る。
Telephone-object-marker cut.
This means to hang up the phone.
糸を切る。
Thread-object-marker cut.
Simple verb-object structure.
髪を切る。
Hair-object-marker cut.
Often refers to getting a haircut.
料理のために野菜を切っています。
Cooking-for vegetables-object-marker cutting (progressive).
The '-te imasu' form indicates an ongoing action.
新しいナイフでパンを切りましょう。
New knife-with bread-object-marker cut (let's).
'〜ましょう (mashou)' is used for suggestions or invitations.
彼は友達と縁を切った。
He-topic friend-with relationship-object-marker cut (past).
Past tense '切った (kitta)' is used.
電話が勝手に切れた。
Phone call-subject automatically cut (past intransitive).
The intransitive form '切れた (kireta)' indicates something happened on its own.
このコードを切りたいです。
This cord-object-marker cut (want).
'〜たい (tai)' expresses desire.
彼は会社を首になった。
He-topic company-object-marker fired (passive).
While not directly using 切る, '首になる (kubi ni naru)' means to be fired.
ハサミでリボンを切ってください。
Scissors-with ribbon-object-marker cut please.
Polite request using '〜てください (te kudasai)'.
時間がないので、話を切り上げましょう。
Time-topic not have because, conversation-object-marker cut (let's).
'話を切り上げる (hanashi o kiriageru)' means to cut short a conversation.
この本はとても厚いので、ページを切るのに時間がかかりました。
This book-topic very thick because, pages-object-marker cut-ing-time took.
The nominalizer 'の (no)' turns the verb phrase into a noun.
彼は長年の友人との関係を断ち切った。
He-topic many years' friend-with relationship-object-marker cut off (past).
'断ち切る (tachikiru)' is a stronger form of 'to cut off'.
会議の途中でしたが、緊急の用事があったので電話を切らなければなりませんでした。
Meeting-of middle-was but, urgent-of business-was because phone-object-marker cut-must (past).
'〜なければならない (nakereba naranai)' means 'must do'.
新しいプロジェクトを始めるために、古いやり方を切り捨てる必要がある。
New project-object-marker start-ing-for, old way-object-marker cut-throw away-need.
'切り捨てる (kirisuteru)' means to discard or abandon.
彼は自分の意見をはっきりと言い切り、誰も反論できなかった。
He-topic his opinion-object-marker clearly say-to-the-end, nobody counter-argue-could.
'言い切る (iikiru)' means to state something definitively.
この問題は複雑なので、単純に切り分けることはできない。
This problem-topic complex because, simply cut-divide-can't.
'切り分ける (kiriwakeru)' means to divide or partition.
彼は突然、冗談を言って場の雰囲気を切り替えた。
He-topic suddenly, joke-object-marker say atmosphere-object-marker switch.
'空気を切り替える (kuuki o kirikaeru)' means to change the mood or atmosphere.
成功するためには、過去の失敗を断ち切って前進しなければならない。
Success-for, past-of failure-object-marker cut off-must move forward.
Emphasizes overcoming past setbacks.
その政治家は国民の信頼を切り、支持率が急落した。
That politician-topic people-of trust-object-marker cut, approval rating-subject rapidly fell.
Implies a breakdown in trust or connection.
長年の確執を抱えていた兄弟は、ついに縁を切る決断をした。
Many years' feud-object-marker held-had brothers-topic, finally relationship-object-marker cut decision-object-marker did.
Highlights the finality of severing ties.
彼は経済的な困難から逃れるため、すべてを断ち切り、新たな生活を始めた。
He-topic economic-of difficulty-from escape-ing-for, everything-object-marker cut off, new life-object-marker started.
Emphasizes a complete break from the past.
この問題は根が深く、一面的な解決策では切りきれない。
This problem-topic root-subject deep, one-sided solution-with cut-completely-can't.
'切りきれない (kirikirenai)' indicates inability to cut completely.
彼は自分のキャリアを捨てる覚悟を決め、思い切った決断を下した。
He-topic his career-object-marker throw away resolve-object-marker decided, decisive-ly-cut decision-object-marker made.
'思い切る (omoikiru)' means to make a bold decision.
その作家は、登場人物の心理描写において、人間の心の闇を鋭く切り取っている。
That author-topic, character-of psychological depiction-in, human-of heart-of darkness-object-marker sharply cut-out (is doing).
'切り取る (kiritoru)' suggests capturing or depicting precisely.
私たちは、この喫緊の課題に対して、迅速かつ大胆に切り込まなければならない。
We-topic, this urgent-of issue-towards, quickly and boldly cut-into (must).
'切り込む (kirikomu)' implies making an aggressive move or tackling a problem head-on.
古い慣習を断ち切り、新しい時代に即した改革を進めるべきだ。
Old customs-object-marker cut off, new era-in suited reform-object-marker advance-should.
Advocates for radical change by severing old ties.
彼は、自己の限界を打ち破るべく、あらゆる障害を断ち切って進んだ。
He-topic, self-of limits-object-marker break through-in order to, all obstacles-object-marker cut off-went forward.
Combines '打ち破る (uchiyaburu - break through)' with '断ち切る (tachikiru - sever)' for emphasis.
その芸術家は、社会の偽善を鋭く切り取り、観る者に強烈な印象を与えた。
That artist-topic, society-of hypocrisy-object-marker sharply cut-out, viewers-to strong impression-object-marker gave.
'切り取る (kiritoru)' used here to mean 'expose' or 'capture the essence of'.
長年の葛藤に終止符を打ち、彼はついに吹っ切れたように見えた。
Many years' internal-conflict-object-marker end-period-object-marker strike, he-topic finally break-free-as-if seemed.
'終止符を打つ (shuushifu o utsu)' means to put an end to something, related to 'cutting off'.
彼は、過去の栄光にすがることを断ち切り、未来への道を切り拓こうとしている。
He-topic, past-of glory-on cling-ing-object-marker cut off, future-towards path-object-marker cut-open-try-ing.
'切り拓く (kirihiraku)' means to pioneer or carve out a new path.
その作家は、登場人物の複雑な心理を、まるでメスで切り分けるかのように克明に描写した。
That author-topic, characters-of complex psychology-object-marker, as if scalpel-with cut-apart as-if meticulously depicted.
Uses a simile to emphasize precision in analysis.
彼は、周囲の反対を押し切り、あくまで自分の信念を貫徹した。
He-topic, surrounding-of opposition-object-marker push-cut, stubbornly own belief-object-marker carry-through.
'押し切る (oshikiru)' means to push through despite opposition.
この問題の核心を突くには、表層的な議論を切り捨て、本質に迫る必要がある。
This problem-of core-object-marker strike-in-order-to, superficial-of argument-object-marker cut-throw away, essence-towards approach-need.
'切り捨てる (kirisuteru)' used here to mean discarding superficialities.
彼女は、長年のキャリアに別れを告げ、新たな分野への挑戦を切り開いた。
She-topic, many years' career-object-marker farewell-object-marker bid, new field-towards challenge-object-marker cut-open (did).
'切り開く (kirihiraku)' emphasizes creating new opportunities.
その哲学者は、存在の本質を切り詰めた論理で解き明かそうとした。
That philosopher-topic, existence-of essence-object-marker cut-down-to-the-core logic-with unravel-try-did.
'切り詰める (kiritsumeru)' implies reducing to the bare minimum, often financially or logically.
彼は、自己犠牲の精神をもって、一族の悲願を断ち切るべく剣を振るった。
He-topic, self-sacrifice-of spirit-with, clan-of long-cherished-wish-object-marker cut off-in order to sword-object-marker swung.
Elevated language, combining sacrifice and decisive action.
その評論家は、現代社会の病理を、冷徹な筆致で切り取ってみせた。
That critic-topic, modern society-of pathology-object-marker, cold-hearted writing-style-with cut-out-showed.
'切り取る (kiritoru)' used in a literary context to signify incisive portrayal.
彼は、過去の因習を断ち切り、自由闊達な精神で新たな時代を切り拓いた。
He-topic, past-of old-customs-object-marker cut off, free-and-open spirit-with new era-object-marker cut-open (did).
Juxtaposes severing tradition with pioneering the future.
この詩は、言葉の限界を切り詰め、感情の襞を繊細に描き出している。
This poem-topic, words-of limits-object-marker cut-down-to-the-core, emotion-of folds-object-marker delicately depict-is doing.
'切り詰める (kiritsumeru)' used metaphorically for linguistic precision.
彼女は、長年の沈黙を破り、ついに長年の疑問に終止符を打った。
She-topic, many years' silence-object-marker break, finally long-held question-object-marker end-period-object-marker struck.
Connects 'breaking silence' with 'ending' or 'cutting off' the period of questioning.
その軍師は、敵陣の虚を鋭く見抜き、一刀両断の策で勝利をもぎ取った。
That strategist-topic, enemy-camp-of weakness-object-marker sharply discern, one-cut-two-pieces strategy-with victory-object-marker snatched.
'一刀両断 (ittouryoudan)' - to cut in two with one stroke, emphasizing decisiveness.
彼は、自己の内なる葛藤を断ち切り、真の自己へと至る道を切り拓いた。
He-topic, self-inside-of internal-conflict-object-marker cut off, true self-towards path-object-marker cut-open (did).
Focuses on internal struggle and self-realization.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"首を切る (kubi o kiru)"
To fire someone from their job.
リストラのため、多くの社員が会社から首を切られた。
neutral"縁を切る (en o kiru)"
To cut ties with someone; to end a relationship.
彼女は毒親との縁を切ることを決意した。
neutral"電話を切る (denwa o kiru)"
To hang up the phone.
話が終わったので、すぐに電話を切った。
casual"切りがない (kiri ga nai)"
Endless, inexhaustible, never-ending.
欲を言えば切りがない。
neutral"思い切る (omoikiru)"
To make a bold decision; to resolve to do something.
彼は長年の夢を叶えるために、思い切って会社を辞めた。
neutral"切り札 (kirifuda)"
Trump card; a final resource or decisive move.
交渉の最後の切り札として、その提案を出した。
neutralEasily Confused
Identical pronunciation.
切る means 'to cut'. 着る means 'to wear' (specifically for upper body clothing).
シャツを切る (incorrect - means cut a shirt) vs. シャツを着る (correct - means wear a shirt).
Both mean 'to cut'.
刻む often implies cutting into small pieces, mincing, or engraving. 切る is more general.
野菜を刻む (finely chop vegetables) vs. パンを切る (slice bread).
Both can mean 'to sever' or 'cut off'.
断つ is often more formal and used for abstract things like relationships, supply, or communication. 切る can be physical or abstract.
縁を切る (en o kiru - cut ties) vs. 供給を断つ (kyoukyuu o tatsu - cut off supply).
Both involve separation.
割る means to break or split something brittle (like eggs, glass, nuts) or divide into portions. 切る requires a sharp edge.
卵を割る (crack an egg) vs. 卵を切る (nonsensical).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + を + 切る
彼はパンをナイフで切った。
Noun + で + 切る
ハサミで紙を切ってください。
Noun + が + 切れる
電話が突然切れた。
Verb (stem) + 切る
思い切って新しい仕事を始めた。
Noun + を + 切り捨てる
無駄な経費を切り捨てる必要がある。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
切る is for dividing with a sharp edge. 割る is for breaking things like eggs or glass. 壊す is for general breaking.
They are homophones (sound the same) but have completely different meanings and kanji. Context is key!
While 切る can be used metaphorically, sometimes a more precise verb offers better nuance, especially in formal contexts.
Group 1 verbs have specific conjugation rules. 切る becomes 切った (kitta) in past tense and 切って (katte) in te-form.
削る is used for removing small amounts from a surface, like shaving wood or paring an apple.
Tips
Sound Association
Remember 'ki' sounds like 'key' and 'ru' sounds like 'rule'. Imagine a 'key' that follows the 'rule' to 'cut' things open!
Context is King
Pay close attention to the object being 'cut'. Is it bread? A phone call? A relationship? The context tells you the exact nuance of 切る.
Samurai Spirit
Think of the precision and decisiveness associated with samurai swords (katana) when you think of 切る in its more serious applications.
Te-Form Power
Master the te-form 切って (katte) as it's essential for forming requests (切ってください), progressive actions (切っています), and many other grammatical structures.
The Gentle 'R'
Practice the Japanese 'r' sound – it's a quick flap of the tongue, not a strong English 'r'. Listen to native speakers and mimic them.
Homophone Alert!
Never forget the difference between 切る (kiru - to cut) and 着る (kiru - to wear). Always check the kanji or context!
Beyond the Blade
The kanji 切 itself is a pictogram, showing how fundamental the act of cutting was in ancient societies.
Flashcard Focus
Create flashcards with different contexts: 'パンを切る', '電話を切る', '関係を切る'. Include example sentences to solidify the meanings.
Verb Combinations
Look out for compound verbs using 切る, like 思い切る (omoikiru - decide firmly) or 切り捨てる (kirisuteru - discard). They add rich meaning.
Transitive vs. Intransitive
Notice how 切る is often transitive (you cut *something*), but can appear intransitive (e.g., 電話が切れた - denwa ga kireta - the call dropped/cut off).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'key' (sounds like 'ki') that can 'cut' (sounds like 'ru') through anything!
Visual Association
Picture a chef skillfully chopping vegetables with a sharp knife.
Word Web
Challenge
Try describing 5 different things you cut in a day using 切る.
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: To sever, divide with a blade.
Cultural Context
Be mindful when using 切る in contexts of ending relationships (縁を切る), as it can be a very serious and definitive action.
In English, 'cut' is incredibly versatile, used for everything from physical actions to abstract concepts like 'cutting corners' or 'cutting remarks'. The Japanese 切る shares much of this versatility.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
In the kitchen
- 野菜を切る (yasai o kiru) - to chop vegetables
- 肉を切る (niku o kiru) - to cut meat
- パンを切る (pan o kiru) - to slice bread
Communication
- 電話を切る (denwa o kiru) - to hang up the phone
- 話を切り上げる (hanashi o kiriageru) - to cut short a conversation
Relationships
- 縁を切る (en o kiru) - to cut ties
- 関係を切る (kankei o kiru) - to sever relations
Workplace
- 首を切る (kubi o kiru) - to fire someone
- コストを切り詰める (kosuto o kiritsumeru) - to cut costs
Conversation Starters
"What did you cut today? (今日、何を切りましたか？ - Kyou, nani o kirimashita ka?)"
"Do you like cutting vegetables when you cook?"
"Have you ever had to 'cut ties' with someone?"
"What's the most difficult thing you've had to 'cut off' in your life?"
"If you could cut one problem out of your life, what would it be?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you used scissors or a knife today. Use the verb 切る.
Write about a decision you made that felt like 'cutting ties' with something.
Reflect on a time you had to 'cut corners'. Was it worth it?
Imagine you have a magical knife that can cut anything. What would you cut?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsWhile both mean 'to cut', 刻む often implies cutting into smaller pieces or engraving, suggesting more detail than a simple cut. Think finely chopping vs. just slicing.
It's pronounced 'kee-roo', with a light 'r' sound similar to the 'tt' in the American English word 'butter'. Avoid a strong English 'r'.
Yes! Besides 切る, there's 裁つ (tatsu) for fabric, 割る (waru) for breaking/splitting, 削る (kezuru) for shaving/paring, and 断つ (tatsu) for severing connections.
It's usually expressed as 縁を切る (en o kiru) or 関係を切る (kankei o kiru). It signifies a complete severance of a relationship.
Yes, in a sense. For example, 時間を切る (jikan o kiru) can imply cutting down on time or rushing, especially in competitive situations.
They sound exactly the same but have different kanji and meanings. 切る means 'to cut', while 着る means 'to wear' (clothes). Context is crucial to distinguish them.
Absolutely! It's very common for actions like cutting vegetables (野菜を切る), meat (肉を切る), or bread (パンを切る).
It literally means 'to cut the neck', but idiomatically it means to fire someone from their job.
Test Yourself
ハサミで紙を＿＿＿。
We use scissors (ハサミ) to cut (切る) paper (紙).
What does '電話を切る' mean?
電話を切る is an idiom meaning to hang up the phone.
The verb 切る can only be used for physical cutting.
切る also has metaphorical meanings, like ending relationships or conversations.
Word
Meaning
These are common phrases using the verb 切る.
This sentence means 'He cut ties with his friend'.
長年の友人と＿＿＿を切ることにした。
関係を切る (kankei o kiru) means to cut ties/relationships.
Which verb best describes cutting fabric for tailoring?
裁つ (tatsu) is specifically used for cutting cloth or fabric.
彼は過去の失敗を＿＿＿＿、新しい挑戦を始めた。
切り捨てる (kirisuteru) means to discard or abandon, fitting the context of moving past failures.
Translate: He made a bold decision, cutting off all ties with his past.
断ち切る (tachikiru) provides a strong sense of 'cutting off all ties'.
その作家は、人間の心の闇を鋭く＿＿＿＿みせた。
切り取る (kiritoru) means to capture or depict precisely, often used for exposing complex subjects.
Score: /10
Summary
Mastering 切る unlocks essential vocabulary for everyday actions, communication, and expressing abstract ideas of separation.
- 切る (kiru) is the Japanese verb for 'to cut'.
- It applies to physical cutting (bread, vegetables) and abstract concepts (phone calls, relationships).
- Common collocations include パンを切る, 野菜を切る, and 電話を切る.
- Be aware of homophones like 着る (kiru - to wear) and related verbs like 刻む (kizamu - to mince).
Sound Association
Remember 'ki' sounds like 'key' and 'ru' sounds like 'rule'. Imagine a 'key' that follows the 'rule' to 'cut' things open!
Context is King
Pay close attention to the object being 'cut'. Is it bread? A phone call? A relationship? The context tells you the exact nuance of 切る.
Samurai Spirit
Think of the precision and decisiveness associated with samurai swords (katana) when you think of 切る in its more serious applications.
Te-Form Power
Master the te-form 切って (katte) as it's essential for forming requests (切ってください), progressive actions (切っています), and many other grammatical structures.
Example
紙を切ってください。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More daily_life words
じゅうしょ
A2The particulars of the place where someone lives.
住所
A2address, residence
～後
A2after
目覚まし
B1Alarm clock. A clock that makes a noise to wake someone up.
目覚まし時計
B1An alarm clock.
もう少し
B1A little more.
ひとりで
A2Alone.
~のに
B1Even though; despite (particle/conjunction).
ごぜん
A2Morning (a.m.).
煩い
B1Noisy; annoying.
