Translation guide
The English verb 'cut' covers many actions involving separation, reduction, or interruption. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is being cut, how, and why. This guide organizes the most common meanings for learners.
To divide, slice, or sever something using a sharp tool like a knife or scissors.
The most general verb for cutting with a blade. Used for cutting solid objects like paper, cloth, vegetables, or hair.
紙をハサミで切る。
I cut paper with scissors.
髪を切ってもらった。
I had my hair cut.
Also used for cutting body parts or injuries.
指を切ってしまった。
I cut my finger.
Loanword from English, often used for cutting hair, film, or in a stylish/technical sense.
髪をカットしてもらった。
I got a haircut.
To lower an amount, price, time, or number.
General verb for reducing quantity, cost, or frequency.
To take out a section, such as from text, film, or a list.
Standard verb for deleting digital content, text, or entries.
この段落を削除してください。
Please cut this paragraph.
Common in film/editing contexts.
To disconnect power, water, or communication.
Used for cutting off electricity, gas, phone calls, etc.
To skip or be absent from a class without permission.
Slang from 'sabotage', means to skip school or work.
To go ahead of others waiting in a queue.
To negotiate or finalize an arrangement.
To tell someone to stop an annoying behavior.
The verb 切る is only for physical cutting or disconnecting. For abstract uses like 'cut a deal' or 'cut class', use the specific phrases given above. Literal translation will cause confusion.
授業を切る
Cut class (literal, unnatural)
切る is the native Japanese verb for cutting with a blade. カットする is a loanword used mainly for hair, film editing, or stylish contexts. In daily life, 切る is more common for cutting objects.
経費を減らす必要がある。
We need to cut expenses.
Specifically for shortening time or length.
会議の時間を短縮する。
Cut the meeting time.
そのシーンはカットされた。
That scene was cut.
電話を切った。
I hung up (cut the call).
電気を切ってください。
Please cut the power.
More general 'stop', but can be used for cutting off supply.
ガスを止める。
Cut off the gas.
授業をサボった。
I cut class.
Formal term for being absent, not necessarily sneaky.
学校を欠席する。
To be absent from school.
Means to push into a line or interrupt.
列に割り込まないでください。
Please don't cut in line.
条件に合意した。
We agreed on the terms.
やめなさい！
Cut it out!