Meaning and Usage
The verb 切れる (きれる) has several common meanings depending on context. Primarily, it means "to cut well" or "to be sharp," often used for knives or blades. It also means "to break" or "to be cut off," such as a phone line or electricity. Additionally, it can describe a sudden emotional outburst, like "losing one's temper."
Common Collocations
- よく切れる (よくきれる): "cuts well" – used to praise sharpness of blades.
- 回線が切れる (かいせんがきれる): "line gets cut off" – for phone or internet disconnections.
- 怒って切れる (おこってきれる): "to lose temper" – describes sudden anger.
Register and Usage Notes
切れる is a casual to neutral verb used in everyday conversation. When describing emotional outbursts, it often implies a sudden loss of control. Be careful not to confuse 切れる with 切る (きる), which means "to cut" as an action rather than describing the state of being sharp or broken.
Tips for Learners
When you hear 切れる, consider the context carefully: is it about something physically sharp, a connection breaking, or someone getting angry? This word is versatile and appears frequently in daily life, so mastering its nuances will help you understand and express various situations naturally.