Translation and Meaning of: 切れ目 - kireme

The Japanese word 切れ目 (きれめ, kireme) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances that reflect aspects of the language and culture of Japan. In this article, we will explore its meaning, everyday usage, and even how it appears in cultural contexts. If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about the language, understanding words like 切れ目 can enrich your vocabulary and perception of the language.

In addition to uncovering the literal meaning of 切れ目, we will see how it is used in different situations, from informal conversations to more specific expressions. Suki Nihongo, one of the best online Japanese dictionaries, provides practical examples that help reinforce learning. Shall we begin?

Meaning and usage of 切れ目

切れ目, written with the kanji 切 (cut) and 目 (eye, point), literally refers to a "cut", "interval", or "point of division". It can be used for both physical objects and abstract situations. For example, a line with a 切れ目 is a broken line, while a day without 切れ目 would be a day without breaks.

In everyday life, this word appears in various contexts. Someone might say that a rope has a 切れ目 (a cut), or that a movie has 切れ目なく (without breaks) events. The versatility of the term makes it useful in both concrete descriptions and more subjective expressions.

Cultural curiosities and media usage

切れ目 is not a rare word, but its use can reveal interesting details about communication in Japan. In series and movies, for example, it often appears in dialogues involving planning or description of events. A character might mention the need to "not leave 切れ目" in a plan, meaning that everything should be continuous and well-structured.

Moreover, in artistic contexts, such as ceramics or calligraphy, 切れ目 can describe brush strokes or deliberately broken lines to create an aesthetic effect. This duality between rupture and continuity is a fascinating aspect of the word that goes beyond the superficial meaning.

Tips for memorizing and using 切れ目

An effective way to remember 切れ目 is to associate it with the verb 切れる (きれる, kireru), which means "to cut" or "to be cut." The idea of interruption or division is present in both, making the connection easier. Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, such as "この紙に切れ目がある" (There is a cut in this paper).

For those who use apps like Anki, including practical examples in the review deck can be helpful. Phrases like "切れ目なく話す" (speak without pauses) assist in internalizing the term in real contexts. Over time, the use of 切れ目 becomes more natural, both in speech and writing.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

切り目 (Kirime) - Split, cut, or incision made in something.
切断面 (Setsudanmen) - Resulting surface from a cut or separation.
切り口 (Kirikuchi) - Terminology that refers to the cut side or the opening made by a cut.
切り開き (Kiri-hiraki) - The act of opening or clearing a path or space through cuts.
切り刻み (Kiri-kizami) - Act of cutting into smaller pieces or chopping.
切り傷 (Kiri-kizu) - Wound or cut on the skin, usually superficial.
切り裂き (Kiri-saki) - Deep cut or slash, usually suggests a more violent action.
切り離し (Kiri-hanashi) - The act of disconnecting or separating something from another, usually in a physical or figurative sense.
切り取り (Kiri-tori) - An act of cutting something to remove a specific part, such as a piece of paper.
切り込み (Kiri-komi) - A cut made for the insertion or adaptation of something, often used in carpentry contexts.
切り替え (Kiri-kae) - Change, alternation, or exchange from one state or condition to another.
切り返し (Kiri-kaeshi) - Return to the previous state or reverse a decision or action.
切り戻し (Kiri-modoshi) - Return of pruning or cutting, typically used in gardening.
切り換え (Kiri-gawae) - Alternation, similar to "切り替え", but possibly emphasizing the change between systems or modes.
切り替わり (Kiri-kawari) - Changing from one state to another, focusing on the transition.
切り捨て (Kiri-sute) - Discard or rejection of something through cutting.
切り下げ (Kiri-sage) - Lower or reduce something by cutting, used in financial and physical contexts.
切り上げ (Kiri-age) - Round up or increase a number or value by cutting it upwards.
切り替える (Kiri-kaeru) - The act of switching or changing between different states.
切り取る (Kiri-toru) - Act of cutting and removing something, emphasizing the extraction.
切り崩す (Kiri-kuzusu) - Dismantle or crumble something by cutting its parts.
切り返す (Kiri-kaesu) - Reversing a movement or action through a cut.
切り戻す (Kiri-modosu) - Returning to a previous point by cutting something, usually in a cultivation environment.