Japanese word

断つ

Pronunciation

Romajitatsu

Meaning

  • verbcut off

Example

彼は家族との連絡を断ちました。kare wa ka zoku to no ren raku o ta chi ma shi ta

He cut off contact with his family.

Illustration for 断つ (cut off)

More examples

彼はその団体との関係を断ちました。kare wa so no dan tai to no kan kei o ta chi ma shi ta

He cut ties with that group.

Core concept

It treats a continuing connection, supply, or action as something that can be cut and brought to an end.

Common phrases

  • 連絡を断つren raku o ta tsu

    cut off contact

  • 縁を断つen o ta tsu

    cut ties

  • 関係を断つkan kei o ta tsu

    break off a relationship

Similar words

絶つtatsu: To eliminate a continuing supply, practice, or means so that it no longer continues.
断ち切るtachikiru: To sever a connection or continuing influence decisively.
切るkiru: To stop contact, an activity, or a flow by ending it.

Definition in Japanese

人との関係や続いている物事を、途中で意図的に終わらせること。hito to no kan kei ya tsuzu i te i ru mono goto o to chū de i to teki ni o wa ra se ru ko to

Word origin

The native Japanese verb 断つ (tatsu, "to cut off") shares its base with 断ち切る (tachikiru, "to sever"), extending the idea of physical separation to ending contact or a practice.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese discussions of lifestyle changes, 断つ (tatsu) can describe giving up a habit such as smoking or drinking, making it stronger than pausing it.

Other meanings

  • give upverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word