Processing keyword: ～切る (〜kiru)
Japanese Grammar Point: ～切る (〜kiru)
1. Introduction
In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ～切る (〜kiru). This expression is used to convey the sense of doing something completely or thoroughly. Mastering ～切る will enhance your ability to express actions that are carried out to their absolute completion in Japanese.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
～切る is used to indicate that an action is done completely, thoroughly, or to the very end. It emphasizes that nothing remains and the action has been fully completed.
Structure
To form this expression, attach 切る (きる) to the masu-stem (pre-masu form) of a verb.
[Verb Stem (ます形)] + 切る
Formation Diagram
| Verb (Dictionary Form) | Verb Stem (ます形) | + 切る | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 食べる (たべる) | 食べ | 食べ切る | Eat up (eat completely) |
| 使う (つかう) | 使い | 使い切る | Use up |
| 信じる (しんじる) | 信じ | 信じ切る | Believe completely |
| 疲れる (つかれる) | 疲れ | 疲れ切る | Be completely exhausted |
| 売る (うる) | 売り | 売り切る | Sell out completely |
Usage Notes
- 切る is an Ichidan verb, so it conjugates accordingly.
- Can be used in various tenses and forms (past, negative, polite, etc.).
- Often used with verbs where the notion of "finishing completely" makes sense.
3. Comparative Analysis
Similar Grammar Points
～尽くす (〜つくす)
- Meaning: To do something exhaustively or to the utmost.
- Difference: 尽くす focuses on exhausting all possibilities or resources, often involving effort or service to others, whereas 切る emphasizes the completion of an action itself.
～終わる (〜おわる)
- Meaning: To finish doing something.
- Difference: 終わる simply denotes that an action has ended, without the emphasis on completeness that 切る provides.
4. Examples in Context
Example Sentences
- 食べ切る
- Japanese: 美味しいケーキを一人で食べ切った。
- Romaji: Oishii kēki o hitori de tabekitta.
- Translation: "I ate the delicious cake all by myself."
- 使い切る
- Japanese: 買った絵の具を全部使い切りました。
- Romaji: Katta enogu o zenbu tsukaikirimashita.
- Translation: "I used up all the paints I bought."
- 読み切る
- Japanese: 彼はその長い小説を読み切った。
- Romaji: Kare wa sono nagai shōsetsu o yomikitta.
- Translation: "He finished reading that long novel."
- 疲れ切る
- Japanese: マラソンの後、彼女は疲れ切っていた。
- Romaji: Marason no ato, kanojo wa tsukarekitte ita.
- Translation: "After the marathon, she was completely exhausted."
- 信じ切る
- Japanese: 子供たちはサンタクロースの存在を信じ切っている。
- Romaji: Kodomo-tachi wa Santa Kurōsu no sonzai o shinjikitte iru.
- Translation: "Children completely believe in the existence of Santa Claus."
Context Variations
- Formal Written
- Japanese: お客様の期待に応え、全力を出し切ります。
- Romaji: Okyaku-sama no kitai ni kotae, zenryoku o dashikirimasu.
- Translation: "We will meet our customers' expectations and exert all our efforts."
- Casual Spoken
- Japanese: この仕事、やり切ったね！
- Romaji: Kono shigoto, yarikitta ne!
- Translation: "We really finished this job, didn't we!"
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
- The concept of completeness and thoroughness is valued in Japanese culture.
- Expressions like ～切る reflect the importance placed on fully committing to and finishing tasks.
Levels of Politeness
- ～切る itself is neutral; politeness is added through verb conjugation.
- In formal situations, use the –ます form:
- 使い切ります, 食べ切りました, etc.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 思い切る (おもいきる): To make up one's mind decisively.
- Example: 思い切って彼に聞いてみた。
- Translation: "I took the plunge and asked him."
- 出し切る (だしきる): To give one's all.
- Example: 最後まで力を出し切った。
- Translation: "I gave it my all until the end."
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Incorrect Verb Form: Attaching 切る to the wrong form of the verb.
- Incorrect: 食べて切る
- Correct: 食べ切る
- Overgeneralization: Not all verbs naturally pair with 切る.
- Stick to verbs where "completing entirely" makes logical sense.
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic: Associate 切る (きる) with "cutting off" any remaining part of an action—completing it fully.
- Practice: Create sentences using ～切る with common verbs to become comfortable with its usage.
- Visual Charts: Use a chart to map out verb conjugations with 切る.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ～切る is used to express that an action is done completely or thoroughly.
- Attach 切る to the masu-stem of verbs.
- Emphasizes total completion or exhaustion of an action.
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you form the expression using ～切る with a verb?
- What does 疲れ切る mean?
- Fill in the blank with the correct form of ～切る:
- Japanese: 彼はパズルを最後まで______。
- Options: a) やり切った, b) やって切った, c) やりて切った
Answers:
- Attach 切る to the masu-stem (pre-masu form) of the verb.
- It means "to be completely exhausted."
- a) やり切った
By understanding and practicing ～切る, you'll be able to express complete actions more naturally and vividly in Japanese. Keep practicing with different verbs to solidify your grasp of this grammar point!