踏み切る

• Reading: ふみきる
• Romaji: fumikiru
• Kanji breakdown: 踏 (fu) — step, stamp; 切 (ki) — cut, resolve
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯ.mi.ki.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To take the plunge; to make a decisive decision; to jump from a take-off point.

A Group 1 (godan) compound verb from 踏む (stamp/step) + 切る (cut/finish decisively). Literally refers to pushing off from the ground in athletics. The figurative sense—deciding to take a bold or irreversible action—is far more common in everyday usage: 実施に踏み切る (decide to implement), 値上げに踏み切る (take the plunge on a price rise).

Examples

1. 会社はついに大幅なリストラに踏み切った。 The company finally took the plunge on large-scale restructuring.
2. 長年の迷いを経て、二人は入籍に踏み切った。 After years of indecision, the couple took the plunge and registered their marriage.
3. 政府がさらなる規制強化に踏み切るかどうかが注目されている。 All eyes are on whether the government will take the step of tightening regulations further.

Usage Guide

Context: business, politics, relationships, journalism

Tone: decisive

Origin & History

Compound of 踏む (step firmly) + 切る (cut through/resolve). In athletics, 踏み切り refers to the take-off board in long jump or the moment of push-off. The metaphorical meaning of taking a decisive step emerged naturally from this physical image.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal