“To cut” in Japanese is 切る (きる), pronounced kiru.
Pronunciation
The word has 2 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
To cut. Same sound as 着る (to wear) but group 1: 切ります. Also used for hanging up the phone.
Example sentences
- 髪を切りました。かみをきりました。I got a haircut.
- 電話を切らないでください。でんわをきらないでください。Please don’t hang up.
Conjugation
The most useful forms of 切る. The rules are explained in Japanese verbs: the ます form.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary (plain) | 切る きる | cut |
| Polite present | 切ります きります | cut |
| Polite negative | 切りません きりません | don’t cut |
| Polite past | 切りました きりました | past of “cut” |
| Plain negative (ない) | 切らない きらない | don’t cut (casual) |
| Plain past (た) | 切った きった | past of “cut” (casual) |
| て-form | 切って きって | cut and… / please cut (+ください) |
| Want to (たい) | 切りたい きりたい | want to cut |
Quick practice
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Related words: Everyday verbs
FAQ
How do you say to cut in Japanese?
To cut in Japanese is 切る (きる), pronounced “kiru”.
How do you write to cut in Japanese?
It's written 切る with kanji, or きる in hiragana. Both are read kiru.
Is 切る on the JLPT?
Yes. 切る (kiru) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.