Translation and Meaning of: 切れる - kireru

The Japanese word 切れる (きれる, kireru) is a verb that can confuse beginner students due to its variety of meanings. In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you can find detailed explanations about terms like this, which go beyond the literal translation. In this article, we will explore the meaning, everyday uses, and some curiosities about this versatile word.

Although 切れる is often associated with the act of "cutting," its use spans situations ranging from broken objects to explosive emotions. Understanding these contexts is essential for anyone who wants to master Japanese naturally. Let's uncover each layer of this word, showing how the Japanese use it in their daily lives.

Meaning and uses of 切れる

The verb 切れる has as its primary meaning "to be cut" or "to be severed," but its usage extends to other situations. When an object like a rope or a string breaks, the Japanese say 切れた (きれた, kireta). This is the most basic and direct sense of the word.

However, 切れる can also describe something that is exhausted or has run out. If the stock of a product runs out, it's common to hear 在庫が切れた (ざいこがきれた, zaiko ga kireta). This usage shows how the word connects to the idea of interruption or completion, going beyond the physical sense of cutting.

Emotional and expressive use

One of the most interesting uses of 切れる is in the realm of emotions. When someone "loses their patience" or "explodes with anger," the Japanese use キレる (in katakana for emphasis). This expression became popular in the 1990s and reflects situations of extreme stress.

In youth culture, especially in online discussions or personal conflicts, saying あの人はすぐ切れる (あのひとはすぐきれる, ano hito wa sugu kireru) means that the person in question has a short fuse. This metaphorical use demonstrates how the Japanese language associates physical breakage with emotional breakage.

Trivia and memorization tips

An effective way to remember the multiple meanings of 切れる is to associate them with the idea of "interruption." Whether it is an object that breaks, a resource that runs out, or patience that wears thin, they all share this central concept. This mental connection makes learning easier.

According to the Tokyo Japanese Language Institute, 切れる is among the 1000 most used verbs in everyday Japanese. Its frequency in conversations and texts justifies the effort to fully master it. Observing its use in dramas and manga can help internalize its different contexts.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 切れる

• 切れる - dictionary form
• 切れます - polite form
• 切れない - negative form
• 切れよう - imperative form
• 切れている - Continuous form

Synonyms and similar words

• 切断する ( Setsudan suru) - Disconnect or create a section, typically in an abrupt manner.
• 切り取る ( Kiritoru) - Cut or remove a part of something.
• 切り離す ( Kirihanasu) - Separate something from its context or other objects.
• 切り裂く ( Kirisaku) - Cut violently or tear, usually with a blade.
• 断ち切る ( Tachikiru) - To interrupt or cut a connection, which can have a figurative sense of ending relationships.
• 切り捨てる ( Kirisuteru) - Discarding or eliminating something, often in a cold manner.
• 切り落とす ( Kiriorosu) - Cut something completely, removing it cleanly.
• 切り崩す ( Kirikuzusu) - Cutting or dismantling something, often using force or strategy.
• 切り倒す ( Kiritasu) - Felling something that is standing, like trees, with the intention of bringing them down.
• 切り刻む ( Kirikizamu) - Cut into small pieces, often in a meticulous manner.

切れる

Romaji: kireru
Kana: きれる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: cut well; be sharp; to break; to snap; wear out; be hurt; to burst; collapse; to break; be disconnected; to be out; expire; separate (connections) with; sharp; cunning; less than

Meaning in English: to cut well;to be sharp;to break;to snap;to wear out;to be injured;to burst;to collapse;to break off;to be disconnected;to be out of;to expire;to sever (connections) with;sharp;shrewd;less than

Definition: Interrupt. To be counted. To be disconnected. Also, it ends in the middle.

Example Sentences - (切れる) kireru

See below some example sentences:

ナイフが切れる。

Naifu ga kireru

The knife is sharp.

The knife is cut.

• ナイフ - make
• が - subject particle
• 切れる - cut, to be able to cut

両極に振り切れる人生を送りたい。

Ryōkyoku ni furikireru jinsei o okuritai

I want to live a life that can be shaken from both poles.

• 両極 (ryoukyoku) - means "two extremes" or "opposites"
• に (ni) - a particle indicating the direction or target of the action
• 振り切れる (furikireru) - a verb meaning "to go beyond the limits" or "to go beyond the limits"
• 人生 (jinsei) - means "life"
• を (wo) - a particle that indicates the direct object of the action
• 送りたい (okuritai) - a verb meaning "to want to send" or "to want to live"

偶数は2で割り切れる数です。

Gūsū wa ni de warikireru kazu desu

Even numbers are divisible by 2.

• 偶数 - even number
• は - Topic particle
• 2 - two
• で - Instrument particle
• 割り切れる - be divisible
• 数 - number
• です - verb to be in the present

通信が途切れた。

Tsuushin ga togireta

Communication has been interrupted.

Communication has been interrupted.

• 通信 - Communication
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 途切れた - was interrupted

電池が切れた。

Denchi ga kireta

The battery is dead.

The battery is dead.

• 電池 (denchi) - battery
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 切れた (kireta) - ran out of charge

私のパスポートは有効期限が切れています。

Watashi no pasupōto wa yūkō kigen ga kirete imasu

My passport is expired.

My passport has expired.

• 私の - possessive pronoun "my"
• パスポート - noun "passport"
• は - Topic particle
• 有効期限 - noun "expiration date"
• が - subject particle
• 切れています - verb "to be overdue"

このクーポンは有効期限が切れています。

Kono kuupon wa yuukou kigen ga kirete imasu

This coupon has expired.

This coupon has expired.

• この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one"
• クーポン - a noun that means "coupon" or "voucher"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "the coupon"
• 有効期限 - compound noun that means "expiration date"
• が - subject particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "the expiration date"
• 切れています - verb 切れる (kireru) in the te-form (切れて) followed by the verb いる (iru) in the politeness form, meaning "to be overdue" or "to be expired"

この商品は売り切れてしまいました。

Kono shouhin wa urikirete shimaimashita

This product is sold out.

This product has been exhausted.

• この商品 - This product
• は - Topic particle
• 売り切れてしまいました - Sold out / Sold out completely