Meaning and Usage
The verb 刈る (かる) primarily means "to cut" or "to mow," often used for grass, crops, or hair. It implies cutting something by cutting tools like scissors, sickles, or lawnmowers.
Common Contexts
- Agriculture: 刈る is frequently used when talking about harvesting crops such as rice or wheat. For example, 稲を刈る means "to harvest rice." This is a seasonal activity and important in farming vocabulary.
- Gardening: It is also used for mowing or trimming grass and plants, such as 草を刈る (to mow grass).
- Haircut: 刈る can describe cutting hair, especially short or close cuts, like 髪を刈る.
Collocations and Patterns
- 草を刈る: to mow grass, often used in gardening or yard work.
- 稲を刈る: to harvest rice, common in farming contexts.
- 髪を刈る: to cut hair, usually short or shaved.
Register and Nuance
刈る is a neutral verb used in both casual and formal contexts. It is more specific than 切る (to cut) because it implies cutting plants or hair with a tool. Avoid confusing it with 摘む (つむ, to pick) which is used for picking flowers or fruit.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 刈る with 切る. 刈る is used for cutting plants or hair, while 切る is more general and can be used for cutting paper, cloth, or other objects. Use 刈る when referring to mowing, harvesting, or haircuts to sound natural.