Translation and Meaning of: 跡切れる - togireru

If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about interesting words in the language, you may have come across the term 跡切れる (とぎれる). This expression may seem simple at first glance, but it carries nuances worth exploring. In this article, we will dive into its meaning, everyday usage, and even tips for efficiently memorizing this word. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide accurate and useful information for those who want to truly learn Japanese.

The meaning and use of 跡切れる

The verb 跡切れる (とぎれる) is a Japanese term that describes something that is interrupted, broken, or becomes discontinuous. It can be used for both physical objects and abstract situations, such as a conversation that is cut off or a signal that fails. The versatility of this word makes it common in the daily life of Japanese people, appearing in various contexts.

A practical example would be to say that a phone line "とぎれた" when the call drops. Another common usage is in relation to trails or paths that are lost, since the kanji 跡 (ato) refers to traces or marks. This visual connection helps to understand why the word is written this way.

The origin and composition of the term

Analyzing the kanjis that form 跡切れる, we have 跡 (ato), which means "mark" or "trace," and 切れる (kireru), which can indicate "to cut" or "to break." Together, they create the idea of something that breaks or gets lost along the way. This construction is not random—it reflects how Japanese often combines visual concepts to form new meanings.

It is worth noting that 切れる by itself carries the notion of interruption, but when combined with 跡, it takes on a more specific meaning. This type of composition is common in the Japanese language, and understanding these pieces can greatly facilitate vocabulary learning.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 跡切れる is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of a road that disappears in the middle of nowhere or a thread that breaks – these images help to retain the meaning. Another strategy is to notice that the verb is often used to describe technical failures, such as internet connections or broadcasts that fail.

To practice, try creating simple sentences like "電波がとぎれた" (the connection dropped) or "話がとぎれた" (the conversation was interrupted). This type of contextualized exercise helps the word become more than just a vocabulary item and integrates it into your active Japanese.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 跡切れる

• 跡切れる - Positive form, present
• 跡切れた - Positive form, past
• 跡切れない - Negative form, present
• 跡切れなかった - Negative form, past

Synonyms and similar words

• 断片化する (danpenka suru) - Fragment, divide into parts; emphasizes the separation into smaller pieces.
• 途切れる (togireru) - Interrupt, fail temporarily; refers to a pause or discontinuity.
• 分断する (bundan suru) - Divide, separate; indicates a division that can be more permanent and complete.

跡切れる

Romaji: togireru
Kana: とぎれる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: make a pause; be interrupted

Meaning in English: to pause;to be interrupted

Definition: Interrupted. There is a pause. Interrupted. Interrupted.