noun
break; pause; interruption; gap
Refers to a break or gap in something continuous, such as a conversation, a line, a supply, or a flow. Often used in phrases like 途切れがち (prone to interruption) or 途切れなく (without a break).
会話が途切れて、気まずい沈黙が流れた。
The conversation broke off and an awkward silence followed.
この道は途中で
This road comes to a dead end partway along.
雨は途切れなく降り続いた。
The rain continued without a break.
中断 is a more formal term for 'interruption' or 'suspension', often used for planned activities or processes. 途切れ is more about a natural break or gap in continuity.
切れ目 also means 'break' or 'gap', but often refers to a physical break or a point where something is cut. 途切れ emphasizes the interruption of a continuous state.
Compound of 途 (way, path) and 切れ (cut, break), from the verb 切れる. Literally 'path-cutting', referring to a break in continuity.