Meaning

Primary

To Cut

Word Type

transitive verb, godan verb

Explanation

This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means cut, and the verb form of that is to cut.

Reading

きる
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

When you think to cut something, what do you think about cutting? One thing is cutting down a tree, which is also known as 木 (き). You 切る a 木.

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • スイッチを切る

    to turn off the switch

    木を切る

    to cut down a tree

    でんわを切る

    to hang up the phone

Context Sentences

マンゴーはナイフで切る。

You cut mangos with a knife.

あの大きい木、チェーンソーで切ったんですか?

Did you cut that big tree with a chainsaw?

犬の毛を切ったら牛みたいになっちゃった。

I cut my dog's fur, and now it looks like a cow.

Kanji Composition