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6
切れる

To Be Cut

Meaning

To Be Cut, To Snap, To Expire, To Run Out

Word Type

intransitive verb, ichidan 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. This is an intransitive verb. That means it does not take a direct object. The kanji means cut so this generally means that something is cut. Something breaks or snaps. No direct object here. That's why this verb means to be cut or to snap. Another meaning of this verb is to expire or to run out. This could be various things like your passport, or a deadline for an assignment.

Reading

きれる

Explanation

Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun'yomi reading. Here's a refresher to help you remember the き portion of this word: Something is snapping. Turns out that something is your arm. Your arm is a 木 (き) that grew out of you one day. "What's this ki doing here?" you ask. Then it suddenly breaks in half! "OW OW OW! My ki! It's been cut!!"

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • かんたんに切れる

    to be easily cut, to lose one's temper easily

    上手に切れる

    to be cut skillfully

    きれいに切れる

    to be cut cleanly

  • すぐ切れる

    to snap easily, to lose one's temper easily

    少し切れる

    to be cut a little

    よく切れる

    to be cut well

  • あたまが切れる

    to be quick-witted, to get a cut on one's head

    糸が切れる

    a thread snaps, to be out of thread

    力が切れる

    to run out of strength

Context Sentences

この糸は、すぐに切れる。

These threads break off easily.

トイレットペーパーが切れた。

We are out of toilet paper.

この刀はとても切れる。

This sword is very sharp.

Kanji Composition