切る

• Reading: きる
• Romaji: kiru
• Kanji breakdown: 切 (setsu/ki) — to cut, to sever
• Pronunciation: /ki.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To cut; to sever; to slice. Used for cutting with scissors, knives, or any sharp tool.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated with the る ending (切って, 切った, 切ります). Extremely versatile: cutting paper, slicing vegetables, hanging up a phone (電話を切る), or turning off a switch. Also used as a verb suffix ～切る meaning 'to do completely.'

Examples

1. 野菜を小さく切ってください。 Please cut the vegetables into small pieces.
2. はさみで紙を切りました。 I cut the paper with scissors.
3. 髪を短く切りたいです。 I want to cut my hair short.

Usage Guide

Context: cooking, daily life, crafts

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 切 combines 七 (seven) and 刀 (sword/blade). The original meaning was to sever something with a blade. It has been one of the most commonly used action verbs throughout Japanese history.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal