What is the difference between "切る" and "きる"?

"切る" means "to cut" (N5), whereas "きる" represents "to cut" (N5).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "きる (kiru)"

Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.

Kanji Option A

きる (kiru)

N5 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

きる (kiru)

N5 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "きる (kiru)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

切る (Level: N5): Translates to "to cut" and is used when ハサミやナイフなどで物を二つ以上に分けるときに使います。Polite form is 切ります.
きる (Level: N5): Maps to "to cut" and carries the nuance of Used for cutting various things.

Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!

Bilingual Context for "切る"

紙をハサミで切ります。

I cut the paper with scissors.

Bilingual Context for "きる"

パンを切ってください。

Please cut the bread.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "紙をハサミで切ります。" (Meaning: "I cut the paper with scissors.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "切る" is used for "to cut" in the context: "I cut the paper with scissors.".