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)

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.

Example Sentences - (切る) kiru

See below some example sentences:

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

彼は勝負で相手を押し切った。

Kare wa shoubu de aite wo oshikitta

He won the match by overcoming his opponent.

He pushed the opponent in the game.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 勝負 - Japanese noun meaning "game", "competition"
• で - particle that indicates the means or the way of doing something in Japanese
• 相手 - Japanese noun meaning "opponent", "adversary"
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 押し切った - Japanese verb in the past that means "completely conquer", "defeat"

彼女は私を裏切った。

Kanojo wa watashi wo uragitta

She cheated on me.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私 (watashi) - I
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 裏切った (uragitta) - cheated

持ち切りの話題が続いている。

Mochikiri no wadai ga tsuzuite iru

End topic continues.

• 持ち切り - Japanese expression meaning "a topic that continues to be discussed intensely"
• の - Japanese particle indicating possession or connection
• 話題 - Japanese noun meaning "topic" or "subject"
• が - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 続いている - Japanese verb meaning "continue" or "proceed", conjugated in the present continuous

私の同級生はとても親切です。

Watashi no doukyuusei wa totemo shinsetsu desu

My classmates are very kind.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "of"
• 同級生 - noun that means "classmate"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 親切 - adjective that means "kind, gentle"
• です - verb "to be" in the present, equivalent to "is"

締め切りまであと一週間です。

Shimekiri made ato ichi shuukan desu

It's just a week before the deadline.

• 締め切り (shimekiri) - deadline
• まで (made) - up until
• あと (ato) - outstanding
• 一週間 (isshukan) - A week
• です (desu) - is

締め切りが近づいています。

Shimekiri ga chikazuite imasu

The deadline is approaching.

• 締め切り (shimekiri) - deadline
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 近づいています (chikadzuite imasu) - is approaching

車が道を横切った。

Kuruma ga michi wo yokogitta

A car crossed the road.

The car crossed the road.

• 車 - car
• が - subject particle
• 道 - road/path
• を - direct object particle
• 横切った - crossed