Translation and Meaning of: 区切り - kugiri

The Japanese word 区切り [くぎり] is a versatile term that appears in various contexts of everyday life and Japanese culture. If you are studying the language or simply interested in unique expressions, understanding its meaning, origin, and usage can enrich your knowledge. In this article, we will explore everything from the basic translation to cultural aspects and practical tips for memorization.

Besides being useful in everyday conversations, 区切り also reflects important values in Japanese society, such as organization and clarity. Whether to mark the end of a stage or to divide tasks, this word has a significant role. Let’s dive into its details to discover how it works in practice.

Meaning and translation of 区切り

In its simplest form, 区切り can be translated as "division," "separation," or "cut-off point." It is used to indicate a boundary between distinct parts, whether in texts, projects, or even life stages. For example, when finishing a chapter of a book, one can say there is a natural 区切り in the narrative.

It is worth noting that, although the literal translation is close to "separation," the term carries a more organizational connotation than a disruptive one. In Japan, establishing 区切り is seen as a way to bring order and clarity, rather than necessarily breaking something definitively.

Origin and composition of kanji

The writing of 区切り combines two kanji: 区 (ku), which means "section" or "area," and 切 (kiri), which can be translated as "to cut" or "to divide." Together, they form an idea of spatial or temporal delimitation. This combination is not random—it reflects the way the Japanese language constructs terms from visual and functional concepts.

Interestingly, the kanji 切 appears in other words related to divisions, such as 切る (kiru, "to cut") and 切り替え (kirikae, "switch"). This shows how the semantic root remains consistent in different contexts, making it easier for language learners to associate.

Cultural and Practical Use in Japan

In Japanese daily life, 区切り is often used to mark important transitions. A classic example is the end of the fiscal year in March, when companies and families take stock and set new goals. This period is seen as a natural 区切り for new beginnings.

Furthermore, the word appears in more personal contexts, such as when ending a relationship or changing jobs. In these cases, it helps to provide a sense of closure, allowing people to move on without emotional baggage. This approach reflects cultural values such as "ma" (間), the respect for well-defined spaces and intervals.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to reinforce 区切り is to associate it with concrete situations where divisions are necessary. Think of chapters in books, pauses in meetings, or even physical dividers in work environments. The more real examples you connect to the term, the more natural its usage will become.

Another strategy is to practice with short sentences that include the word, such as "ここで区切りをつけましょう" (Let's take a break here). Repeating this type of construction out loud helps to internalize not only the vocabulary but also the correct intonation, since くぎり has a characteristic rhythm in speech.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 仕切り (shikiri) - Division or separation of a space, as in an environment or room.
• 切り分け (kiriwake) - Division or cutting into smaller parts, usually referring to something that should be separated.
• 区分け (kubunke) - Classification or categorization, especially in terms of groups or regions.
• 分け目 (wakeme) - Division or separation point, like a line or stripe that indicates where something is separated.
• 区画 (kukaku) - Delimited area or section, often used in urban or land contexts.
• 区域 (kuuiki) - Area or region, emphasizing a defined space or a geographical boundary.
• 区分 (kubun) - Division or classification, analogous to 'categorization', focusing on specific categories.

区切り

Romaji: kugiri
Kana: くぎり
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: an end; a stop; punctuation

Meaning in English: an end;a stop;punctuation

Definition: A limit or symbol placed to separate something.

Example Sentences - (区切り) kugiri

See below some example sentences:

区切りをつける

kugiri wo tsukeru

put a full stop

Cut

• 区切り (kugiri) - means "cut-off point" or "division"
• を (wo) - object particle
• つける (tsukeru) - verb meaning "to place" or "to add"

区切りをつけることは大切です。

Kugiri wo tsukeru koto wa taisetsu desu

It is important to set boundaries.

It's important to take a break.

• 区切り - kugiri - separation
• を - wo - direct object particle
• つける - tsukeru - put, add
• こと - koto - abstract noun
• は - wa - Topic particle
• 大切 - taisetsu - important, valuable
• です - is (a Japanese copula, often used to indicate a state of being) Verb to be/estar in the present