Meaning
To sever a relationship or stop engaging in a particular activity.
Cultural Background
In Korea, relationships are often seen as 'threads' of fate. Cutting them is a serious social act. Similar to Korea, the concept of 'En' (fate) is central. Cutting ties is a major life decision. The metaphor of 'cutting ties' or 'burning bridges' is common, emphasizing individual choice. In professional settings, '손을 끊다' is very direct. Use '계약을 종료하다' for a softer, more professional tone.
Use with '-와/과'
Always specify who you are cutting ties with using '와/과'.
Don't use for minor issues
It's a strong phrase. Only use it when you really mean it.
Meaning
To sever a relationship or stop engaging in a particular activity.
Use with '-와/과'
Always specify who you are cutting ties with using '와/과'.
Don't use for minor issues
It's a strong phrase. Only use it when you really mean it.
Modern slang
If you are talking to friends, '손절하다' is much more common now.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
그는 나쁜 친구들과 ______.
The idiom for ending a relationship is '손을 끊다'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose the correct sentence.
The idiom requires the particle '-와/과' to indicate what you are cutting ties with.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 그 사람 아직도 만나? B: 아니, 이제 그 사람과 ______.
The context implies ending a relationship, so '손을 끊었어' is correct.
Match the situation to the correct usage.
You want to tell a friend you stopped smoking.
Cutting ties with a habit uses '손을 끊다'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises그는 나쁜 친구들과 ______.
The idiom for ending a relationship is '손을 끊다'.
Choose the correct sentence.
The idiom requires the particle '-와/과' to indicate what you are cutting ties with.
A: 그 사람 아직도 만나? B: 아니, 이제 그 사람과 ______.
The context implies ending a relationship, so '손을 끊었어' is correct.
You want to tell a friend you stopped smoking.
Cutting ties with a habit uses '손을 끊다'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's informal. Use '계약을 종료하다' for business.
It's direct, so it can be perceived as rude if used in the wrong context.
'손절하다' is slang and more common in social media.
No, that would be very strange.
Rarely. Use '관계를 단절하다' instead.
No, it is purely metaphorical.
Yes, if you want to emphasize that you are quitting it for good.
Use '거리를 두다' instead.
Yes, especially in dramas about conflict.
It follows standard verb conjugation rules.
Related Phrases
손절하다
specialized formTo cut losses (slang for ending relationships).
인연을 끊다
synonymTo cut ties (fate).
관계를 정리하다
similarTo organize/end a relationship.
등을 돌리다
similarTo turn one's back on someone.
