expression, godan verb (-ru)
commit seppuku; commit harakiri
Literal ritual suicide by disembowelment. Historically associated with samurai culture; in modern contexts, often used figuratively or in historical references.
武士は主君のために腹を切った。
The samurai committed seppuku for his lord.
expression, godan verb (-ru)
take responsibility and resign
Figurative use: to accept blame for a failure or scandal by resigning from one's position, as if performing seppuku. Common in business and political contexts.
社長は不祥事の責任を取って腹を切った。
The president took responsibility for the scandal and resigned.
expression, godan verb (-ru)
laugh until one's sides split
Archaic idiomatic use meaning to laugh so hard it feels like one's stomach will split. Rare in modern Japanese; more common expressions include 腹を抱えて笑う.
昔話では、あまりのおかしさに腹を切るほど笑ったという。
In old tales, they say they laughed so hard they nearly split their sides.