切れ

• Reading: きれ
• Romaji: kire
• Kanji breakdown: 切 (ki/setsu) — to cut, to sever
• Pronunciation: /ki.ɾe/

Meaning

Piece; slice; cut cloth; sharpness. A portion cut from something larger.

A versatile noun derived from the verb 切る (to cut). Used as a counter-like suffix for slices (一切れ — one slice), and independently to mean a piece of cloth or fabric. Also describes sharpness or cutting ability (切れがいい — sharp, effective). In compound words: 売り切れ (sold out), 期限切れ (expired).

Examples

1. パンを一切れもらえますか。 Could I have a slice of bread?
2. この布切れで何か作ろう。 Let's make something out of this scrap of cloth.
3. 牛乳が期限切れになっていた。 The milk had passed its expiration date.

Usage Guide

Context: cooking, daily life, sewing

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Derived from the verb 切る (kiru — to cut). The kanji 切 combines 七 (seven, here phonetic) and 刀 (sword), depicting the action of cutting with a blade.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal