Translation and Meaning of: 切る - kiru

The Japanese word 切る[きる] is an essential verb in the vocabulary of the language, with a core meaning linked to the action of "to cut." However, its usage goes far beyond the literal sense, appearing in everyday expressions and even in more abstract contexts. In this article, we will explore everything from the origin and writing of the kanji to practical memorization tips and examples of use in real situations. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding 切る can open doors to more natural communication.

In addition to its basic meaning, 切る is often found in idiomatic phrases and grammatical constructions that surprise many students. Its presence in animes, dramas, and even Japanese cuisine reinforces its cultural significance. Here at Suki Nihongo, we strive to provide clear and precise explanations, and in this text, you will discover how this simple word can carry fascinating nuances.

Meaning and use of 切る in everyday life

The verb 切る is commonly translated as "to cut," but its usage in the Japanese language encompasses situations ranging from the physical to the emotional. When used for objects, it can mean cutting with scissors, a knife, or even dividing something into parts. For example, cutting vegetables for cooking or trimming hair are direct uses of this verb.

In less literal contexts, 切る appears in expressions like 電話を切る (to hang up the phone) or 関係を切る (to end a relationship). This versatility makes it a high-frequency word in both spoken and written Japanese. It's worth noting that, in many of these cases, the idea of "cutting" remains underlying, even if it's in a metaphorical sense.

The kanji 切 and its structure

The character 切 is composed of two main elements: the radical 刀 (sword) on the right and the component 七 (seven) on the left. This combination is not random – the radical 刀 directly indicates the relation to cutting or dividing, while the left part contributes to the pronunciation. Etymological studies suggest that this formation dates back to ancient Chinese, where the kanji already carried the sense of separation.

A curious fact about writing is that the final stroke of the kanji, that small hook at the bottom right, is essential for distinguishing it from similar characters. This detail can be useful for those learning to write 切る correctly. The reading きる (kiru) is the most common, but the same kanji can also be read as セツ (setsu) in compounds like 親切 (shinsetsu – kindness).

Tips for memorizing and using 切る

To solidify the meaning of 切る, an effective strategy is to associate it with concrete actions from everyday life. Think of situations like cutting paper (紙を切る), cutting hair (髪を切る), or even cutting costs (費用を切る). Creating flashcards with images of these actions can reinforce memorization, especially for visual learners.

Another important aspect is to understand how 切る behaves grammatically. As a group 1 (godan) verb, its conjugation follows regular patterns, which makes learning easier. Paying attention to the compounds where it appears, such as 切り替える (to change, to switch) or 切ない (heartbreaking), helps to expand vocabulary organically. Over time, the correct use of 切る becomes intuitive, even in more abstract contexts.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 切る

  • 切る - Form dictionary
  • 切りました - past
  • 切りたい - conditional
  • 切れる - passive form
  • 切って - imperative form

Synonyms and similar words

  • 切断する (Setsudan suru) - cut, separate (usually used in technical or medical contexts)
  • 切り取る (Kiritoru) - cut (to remove a part of something, such as paper or fabric)
  • 切り開く (Kirihiraku) - open, explore (usually used to describe opening a path or exploring an area)
  • 切り裂く (Kirisaku) - tear, cut into pieces (usually with a strong or abrupt movement)
  • 切り離す (Kirihanasu) - separate, disconnect (detach parts from a whole)
  • 切り捨てる (Kirisuteru) - discard, eliminate (commonly used to describe the act of setting something aside or not taking it into account)
  • 断ち切る (Tachikiru) - break, cut (usually in an emotional or relational context)
  • 切り込む (Kirikomu) - to strike, to attack (to introduce a decisive cut or action)
  • 切り崩す (Kirikuzusu) - collapsing, dismantling (cutting something to disintegrate it or make it unstable)
  • 切り倒す (Kiritaosu) - to fell, to cut down (generally used in reference to trees or structures)

Related words

横切る

yokogiru

cross (e.g. weapons); pass through

張り切る

harikiru

be in a good mood; to be full of vigor; be excited; be anxious; stretch to the breaking point

出切る

dekiru

be out of; no longer have at hand

締め切る

shimekiru

to shut up

仕切る

shikiru

Partition; to divide; to mark; settle accounts; touch the mark

区切る

kugiru

to score; cut; to mark; to stop; to end

噛み切る

kamikiru

bite; gnaw

押し切る

oshikiru

to forge one's own path

裏切る

uragiru

betray; turn traitor; cheat twice

打ち切る

uchikiru

to stop; abort; interrupt; to close

切る

Romaji: kiru
Kana: きる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: cut; chop; grind; sculpt; saw; trim; shear; slice; peel; knock down; cut down; pound; separate (connections); pause; interrupt; disconnect; turn off; hang up the phone; cross (a street); give a discount; sell below cost; shake (water) off.

Meaning in English: to cut;to chop;to hash;to carve;to saw;to clip;to shear;to slice;to strip;to fell;to cut down;to punch;to sever (connections);to pause;to break off;to disconnect;to turn off;to hang up;to cross (a street);to discount;to sell below cost;to shake (water) of

Definition: To separate things with a knife, scissors, etc.

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How to Write in Japanese - (切る) kiru

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (切る) kiru:

Example Sentences - (切る) kiru

See below some example sentences:

このドラマは予定より早く打ち切ることになりました。

Kono dorama wa yotei yori hayaku uchikiru koto ni narimashita

This drama was discontinued earlier than planned.

  • この - this
  • ドラマ - Drama
  • は - Topic particle
  • 予定 - plan, schedule
  • より - than
  • 早く - early, sooner
  • 打ち切る - cancel, terminate
  • こと - thing
  • に - target indicator particle
  • なりました - became
私たちは明日の会議のために部屋を仕切ります。

Watashitachi wa ashita no kaigi no tame ni heya o shikirimasu

We're going to share a room for tomorrow's meeting.

We will join the room for tomorrow's meeting.

  • 私たち - we
  • 明日 - tomorrow
  • 会議 - meeting
  • ために - for
  • 部屋 - living room/bedroom
  • 仕切ります - divide/separate
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"
鋏を使って紙を切ります。

Hagane o tsukatte kami o kirimasu

I cut the paper with scissors.

Cut the paper using scissors.

  • 鋏 (hasami) - scissors
  • を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
  • 使って (tsukatte) - using
  • 紙 (kami) - paper
  • を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
  • 切ります (kirimasu) - cut
鋸で木を切ります。

Kobiki de ki wo kirimasu

I cut the wood with a hacksaw.

Cut the tree with a saw.

  • 鋸 (noko) - mountain range
  • で (de) - with
  • 木 (ki) - wood
  • を (wo) - direct object
  • 切ります (kirimasu) - cut
私たちは明日の試合に向けて張り切っています。

Watashitachi wa ashita no shiai ni mukete harikitte imasu

We are excited and excited for tomorrow's game.

We are excited for tomorrow's match.

  • 私たちは - We
  • 明日 - Tomorrow
  • の - Possessive particle
  • 試合 - Game
  • に - Destination particle
  • 向けて - towards
  • 張り切っています - We're excited
括弧を使って文章を区切ってください。

Kakko wo tsukatte bunshou wo kugiratte kudasai

Please separate the text using parentheses.

Separate text using parentheses.

  • 括弧 - It means "parentheses" in Japanese.
  • を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
  • 使って - conjugated form of the verb "tsukatte", meaning "to use"
  • 文章 - means "phrase" or "text" in Japanese
  • を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
  • 区切って - conjugated form of the verb "wakatte", which means "to divide" or "to separate"
  • ください - imperative form of the verb "kudasai," which means "please"
思い切りが大切です。

Omoikiri ga taisetsu desu

Being decisive is important.

Diving is important.

  • 思い切り (omoikiri) - means "firm decision" or "courage to act without hesitation".
  • が (ga) - Grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
  • 大切 (taisetsu) - Adjective that means "important" or "valuable".
  • です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates a polite or respectful way of expressing oneself.
フォークで肉を切りました。

Fōku de niku wo kirimashita

I cut the meat with a fork.

I cut the meat with a fork.

  • フォーク (fōku) - fork
  • で (de) - with
  • 肉 (niku) - meat
  • を (wo) - direct object
  • 切りました (kirimashita) - cut
切りの技術を磨くことが大切です。

Kirinotekunikku wo migaku koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to improve the cutting technique.

It is important to improve cutting technology.

  • 切りの技術 - Cutting skills
  • を - Direct object particle
  • 磨く - Improve
  • こと - Abstract noun
  • が - Subject particle
  • 大切 - Important
  • です - Verb "to be" in polite form

Other Words of this Type: verb

See other words from our dictionary that are also: verb

嘗める

nameru

to lick; to test; to experiment; take fun; do little; to lower; dislodge

吟味

ginmi

test; scrutiny; careful investigation

歩む

ayumu

to walk; to go on foot

通う

kayou

to move; go and come back

あざ笑う

azawarau

to mock; ridicule

切る