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.
I cut paper with scissors.
I had my hair cut.
Also used for cutting body parts or injuries.
Loanword from English, often used for cutting hair, film, or in a stylish/technical sense.
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.
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.
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.
I cut my finger.
We need to cut expenses.
Specifically for shortening time or length.
Cut the meeting time.
Please cut this paragraph.
Common in film/editing contexts.
That scene was cut.
電話を切った。
I hung up (cut the call).
Please cut the power.
More general 'stop', but can be used for cutting off supply.
Cut off the gas.
I cut class.
Formal term for being absent, not necessarily sneaky.
To be absent from school.
Means to push into a line or interrupt.
Please don't cut in line.
We cut a deal with them.
Stronger, more authoritative command.
Cut it out!