About this Draft
This page is part of the early access version of The Kanji Speedrun. The essentials—kanji meanings and mnemonics—are already in place and usable, but nearly every part of the page is still being polished. Some entries may contain mistakes, but please rest assured we are working hard to make revisions.
We’re sharing these drafts now so you can keep learning while we polish the full experience. If you notice something off, please don’t hesitate to let me know—it’s a huge help in improving the course!
切
CUT
Mnemonic
On the left is knife (刀). On the right, imagine seven (七) small things lined up. With one motion, the knife slices through them — the clear image of a CUT.
切 often carries an emotional sense too: words like 大切 (important) or 親切 (kind) suggest something “cut close to the heart.”
Example Vocabulary
- 切る（きる） – to cut
- 大切（たいせつ） – important, precious
- 親切（しんせつ） – kind, gentle
- 切手（きって） – postage stamp
- 一切（いっさい） – all, entirely
More than just cutting
切 starts with the idea of a physical cut, but quickly expands into feelings and everyday life.
A “cut piece of paper” (切る), something you “hold dear” (大切), an act of kindness (親切), even a stamp you stick on mail (切手).
It’s one of those kanji where a simple action branches out into many human connections.
Example Sentences
- ハサミで紙を切ります。– I cut paper with scissors.
- 家族はとても大切です。– Family is very important.