打ち切る

• Reading: うちきる
• Romaji: uchikiru
• Kanji breakdown: 打 (da/u) — strike, hit; 切 (setsu/ki) — cut, sever
• Pronunciation: /ɯ.tɕi.ki.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To stop; to abort; to discontinue. To cut something short before its natural end.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb meaning to discontinue or terminate something decisively. Combines 打ち (emphasis prefix) with 切る (to cut). Commonly used for cancelling TV programmes, ending negotiations, or halting projects. Implies a definitive decision to stop, not a gradual winding down.

Examples

1. あのドラマは視聴率が低くて打ち切られた。 That drama was cancelled because of low ratings.
2. 予算不足で研究プロジェクトを打ち切ることになった。 The research project had to be discontinued due to budget shortfalls.
3. 交渉が難航し、話し合いを打ち切った。 Negotiations hit a wall, and the talks were called off.

Usage Guide

Context: media, business, negotiations

Tone: decisive

Origin & History

Compound of 打ち (emphasis, thoroughness) and 切る (to cut). Literally 'to cut off decisively,' expressing an abrupt and complete termination.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal