切

JLPT N4

Cut

Readings

On’yomi: セツ (setsu)

Kun’yomi: き(る) (ki(ru))

• き.る (kiru) – to cut, to slice • き.れる (kireru) – to be cut, to snap, to run out

Structure

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Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

切る

きる

to cut

大切

たいせつ

important

切手

きって

stamp

締切

しめきり

deadline

親切

しんせつ

kind

Example Sentences

紙を切ります。

かみをきります。

I cut paper.

時間が大切です。

じかんがたいせつです。

Time is important.

Cultural Note

🔪 切 reflects both practical and metaphorical aspects of Japanese life:
• Literally used in cutting tools, cooking, and craftsmanship, emphasizing precision.
• Metaphorically, it expresses decisive actions (切実, 決切) or relational ends (手切れ).
• Words like 親切 (kindness) illustrate the cultural nuance of softening harshness, showing sensitivity in social interactions.