Search pages and navigate
to finish/completely
Definition
The grammar pattern "V-stem + 切る" (to finish/completely) is used to indicate that an action has been completed entirely or done to the absolute limit. It often conveys a sense of exhaustion or thoroughness. For example, "tsukaikiru" (use up completely) implies that something has been used until it is completely gone. This pattern is often used to describe actions that have a clear physical limit or endpoint, such as finishing a marathon or eating a large amount of food. It can also be used to describe actions that have a sense of completion or finality, such as a relationship coming to an end.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V-stem | V-stem + 切る | 走 (hashiru) + 切る = 完走 (kansō) |
| V-stem (te-form) | V-stem (te-form) + 切る | 食べ (tabete) + 切る = 食べ切る (tabekiru) |
| V-stem (ta-form) | V-stem (ta-form) + 切る | 食べ (tabeta) + 切る = 食べ切った (tabekita) |
Examples
マラソンを完走して、体力を使い切る。
Marason o kansō shite, karada ryoku o tsukai kiri.
After finishing the marathon, I used up all my energy.
マラソンを完走して (finish the marathon), 体力を使い切る (use up all energy)
あんなにたくさんあった料理を一人で食べ切った。
Anna ni tukusamatta ryōri o hitori de tabekita.
I ate all the food by myself until it was completely gone.
あんなにたくさんあった (there was a lot of),料理 (food),を一人で (by myself),食べ切った (ate until it was completely gone)
二人の関係はもう信じ切れない。
Futari no kankei wa mō shinji kirenai.
I can no longer trust their relationship.
二人の関係 (their relationship),はもう (no longer),信じ切れない (can no longer trust)
Context
This pattern is used to describe actions that have a clear physical limit or endpoint. It can also be used to describe actions that have a sense of completion or finality. In terms of register, this pattern is generally used in informal situations. It can be compared to the pattern "owaru", which simply means the end of a process, but does not necessarily imply completion or exhaustion.
Watch out
This pattern requires a clear physical limit or endpoint, so using it with verbs that don't have this characteristic can lead to confusion or incorrect interpretation.
This pattern is often used in compound forms, but its meaning is not necessarily related to cutting or physical separation.
While both patterns indicate the end of a process, "owaru" does not necessarily imply completion or exhaustion, whereas "V-stem + 切る" does.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to understand the meaning of the pattern in the context of the sentence. Pay attention to the verb stem used and the meaning of the pattern as a whole. Also, be careful not to confuse this pattern with "owaru" or misinterpret it as "to cut".
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N3 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-stem + 切る used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
マラソンを完走して、体力を使い切った。
Pattern used: 切った
'Tsukaikiru' means to exhaust all resources or energy completely.
あんなにたくさんあった料理を一人で食べ切った。
Pattern used: 切った
'Tabekiru' emphasizes finishing the entire amount, whereas 'tabeowaru' just means finished eating.
二人の関係はもう信じ切ることができない。
Pattern used: 切る
'Shinjikiru' means to believe someone 100% without any doubt.
Interactive
マラソンを完走して、体力を使い______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.