切れ目

• Reading: きれめ
• Romaji: kireme
• Kanji breakdown: 切 (setsu/ki) — cut, sever; 目 (moku/me) — eye, point
• Pronunciation: /ki.ɾe.me/

Meaning

A gap, break, or rift; a point where something is cut or divided.

Formed from 切れ (to be cut) + 目 (point, spot). Used both literally for physical cuts or separations and figuratively for breaks in relationships, conversations, or sequences. Often appears in the phrase 切れ目なく (without a break, continuously).

Examples

1. 二人の間に切れ目が入り始めた。 A rift began to form between the two of them.
2. 雲の切れ目から青空が見えた。 The blue sky was visible through a break in the clouds.
3. 仕事に切れ目がなくて休めない。 There's no break in the work, so I can't rest.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, relationships, weather

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 切れ (cut) + 目 (point, mark). The suffix 目 indicates the specific point or mark where the action occurs.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal