切れ味
Meanings
sharpness; cutting ability
Describes the quality of a blade's edge; how well it cuts. Can be used literally for knives, swords, scissors, etc.
This kitchen knife cuts well.
Test the sharpness after sharpening.
incisiveness; quickness of wit; skill
Figurative extension: sharpness of mind, speech, or performance. Used for clever remarks, keen analysis, or technical brilliance.
His arguments are incisive.
That pianist's performance is technically brilliant.
peppiness (of a ball)
Sports term: describes a ball's lively, sharp movement (e.g., in baseball or tennis).
The ball he throws has exceptional movement.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉の切れ味がいい(a blade) has good sharpness
This knife has a good, sharp edge.
- 切れ味が鋭いto be sharp-witted or incisive (of remarks, analysis, etc.)
His remarks are sharp and incisive.
- ボールの切れ味が増すfor a pitched ball's movement to become sharper
Even as he tired, his pitches got sharper and livelier.
- 切れ味が落ちるfor the sharpness (of a blade) to decline
After years of use, the knife's edge has dulled.
- 〈物〉の切れ味を試すto test the sharpness of (a blade)
I tried out the sharpness of the new kitchen knife.