切り盛り

• Reading: きりもり
• Romaji: kirimori
• Kanji breakdown: 切り (kiri) — cutting, managing; 盛り (mori) — filling, heaping up
• Pronunciation: /ki.ɾi.mo.ɾi/

Meaning

Management; running; keeping things going. The hands-on running of a household, business, or organisation.

A noun (commonly used with する) describing the practical, day-to-day management of something — a home, shop, or project. It implies resourcefulness and direct involvement. The phrase often appears with admiration for someone who manages everything efficiently, sometimes single-handedly.

Examples

1. 祖母は一人で大家族の家事を切り盛りしてきた。 My grandmother managed all the household chores for a large family on her own.
2. 小さな食堂をたった二人で切り盛りしているのには頭が下がる。 It's truly admirable how they run that small restaurant with just the two of them.
3. 彼女は仕事と育児を切り盛りしながら、夜間学校にも通っている。 She juggles work and childcare while also attending night school.

Usage Guide

Context: household, business, management, daily life

Tone: admiring

Origin & History

From 切る (kiru, to cut/manage) and 盛る (moru, to fill/heap up). The combination evokes the active, resourceful management of what is laid before one.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal