Japanese word

斬る

Pronunciation

Romajikiru

Meaning

  • verbcut

Example

刀で竹を斬ります。katana de take o ki ri ma su

I cut bamboo with a sword.

Illustration for 斬る (cut)

More examples

演武で、師範が太い竹を斬ります。en bu de shi han ga futo i take o ki ri ma su

During a demonstration, the instructor cuts a thick bamboo stalk.

Core concept

Refers to bringing a blade forcefully through something or someone, from a slash to a cut that can end a life.

Common phrases

  • 刀で斬るkatana de ki ru

    cut with a sword

  • 竹を斬るtake o ki ru

    cut bamboo

Similar words

切るkiru: To divide or shorten something with a blade, knife, or other cutting tool.
切断するsetsudansuru: To separate an object into parts by cutting through it completely.

Definition in Japanese

刃物を振るって、対象を切り裂く。ha mono o fu ru tte tai shō o ki ri sa ku

Word origin

斬る (kiru, "to cut with a blade") is a native Japanese verb written with 斬 (zan, "cut down with a blade"), marking the blade-specific sense of cutting.

Usage tips

  • The English verb "slash" highlights a sweeping or repeated motion, so it can be a better translation of 斬る (kiru) than the neutral "cut" in an action scene.

Other meanings

  • slashverb
  • killverb

Related words

  • 斬り方kirikataway of cuttingnoun

Word lists with this word