Yuka切れる has several meanings in Japanese — but one of the most important (and dramatic!) is “to snap” or “lose one’s temper.” Let’s explore it!
| Meaning | Example |
|---|---|
| to snap / lose temper | キレる (lose it / blow up) |
| to cut / be cut | ハサミが切れる (scissors cut well) |
| to run out | 電池が切れた (battery died) |
| to expire | 期限が切れた (deadline passed) |
キレる: Snapping in Anger
キレる (kireru) — often written in katakana when used colloquially — means to suddenly lose one’s temper, snap, or explode in anger. It’s a very common expression in casual speech:
- 彼は突然キレた。 — He suddenly snapped.
- あんな態度をとったら誰でもキレる。 — Anyone would snap with that kind of attitude.
- 子供がキレて泣き始めた。 — The child had a meltdown and started crying.
切れる: Other Common Meanings
The same word 切れる has important everyday uses:
- 砂糖が切れた。 — We ran out of sugar.
- このナイフはよく切れる。 — This knife cuts well.
- パスポートの期限が切れた。 — My passport expired.
- 電話が切れた。 — The call got cut off.
ReiHow do I know which meaning is intended?
YukaContext! キレた about a person = snapping in anger. 切れた about an object or supply = ran out / stopped working.
Compounds with 切れ
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 切れ目 | break / gap / end of something |
| 切れ味 | sharpness (of a blade or wit) |
| 切れ者 | sharp person / go-getter |
| 使い切る | to use up completely |
Quick Quiz
Which meaning applies? “She finally snapped at her coworker.”
Answer: 彼女はついに同僚にキレた。 (loss of temper)
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