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Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "Cut" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "cut", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

きる

きる (kiru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

切れる

きれる (kireru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "cut" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between きる and 切れる. In Japanese, きる (きる (kiru)) is typically associated with "to cut" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used for cutting various things. On the other hand, 切れる (きれる (kireru)) maps to "to cut well; to break; to run out; to expire; to be sharp" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to strings/connections breaking, knives cutting well, resources/stocks running out, or contract/warranty terms expiring. Intransitive verb. Opposing word: 切る. Often used as 糸が切れる or 期限が切れる. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To expire! "The warranty of my love for you has no expiration date, Haruka-san! It's permanent!" ...っ! N-No expiration date! B-Baka! That's too cheesy! But... since our love contract is permanent, make sure you never let the love battery run out! Understood?! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『きれる(切れる)よ!『ハルカ部長、僕たちの愛の接続(コネクション)は、どんな大地震や通信障害が起きても絶対に切れる(断線する)ことのない強固な絆です!』って…っ!絆が切れない!バカ!/// そんなロマンチックな通信回線を宣言するんじゃないの!…切れないように、毎日あんたの愛のハグで回線のメンテナンスを24時間怠るんじゃないわよ!』. A literal translation of "cut" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "きる"
パンを切ってください。
Please cut the bread.
Bilingual Context for "切れる"
プリンターのインクカートリッジの残量が完全に_______ため、彼は新しいインクを購入して交換作業を行いました。
Because the remaining amount of the printer's ink cartridge had completely run out, he purchased a new ink and performed the replacement work.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "パンを切ってください。" (Meaning: "Please cut the bread.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "きる" fits here because it means "to cut" in the context of: "Please cut the bread.". "切れる" represents "to cut well; to break; to run out; to expire; to be sharp".

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