切れ目

きれめ
JLPT:N1
Frequency:
1

A gap, break, or rift between things; a separative opening where continuity is interrupted.

Noun

Examples

板と板の間に小さな切れ目が入っている。

There's a small gap between the boards.

その話題には切れ目がなく続いている。

That topic continues without a break.

壁にできた切れ目から冷気が入ってくる。

Cold air comes in through a crack in the wall.

2

A pause, interval, or interruption between actions or events.

Noun

Examples

会議の切れ目にコーヒーを買いに行った。

I went to buy coffee during a break in the meeting.

連続演奏の切れ目で拍手が起きた。

Applause broke out at the pause between the continuous pieces.

仕事に切れ目がついたら旅行に行きたい。

Once I get a break from work, I want to go on a trip.

3

A cut, incision, notch, or score made by cutting or slicing.

Noun

Examples

紙に小さな切れ目を入れて封を開けた。

I made a small cut in the paper to open the seal.

靴の表面に深い切れ目ができてしまった。

A deep cut appeared on the surface of the shoe.

生地に切れ目を入れて折りやすくする。

Make notches in the fabric to make it easier to fold.

4

An end or turning point marking the close of a relationship, period, or state; the point where something finishes.

Noun

Examples

長年の友情に切れ目が入ってしまった。

A break came into a long-standing friendship.

その仕事が終わったら生活の切れ目を迎えるだろう。

When that work finishes, you'll reach a turning point in life.

プロジェクトに一旦切れ目をつけてから次に進もう。

Let's put a stop to the project for now and then move on.

Word Relationships

Antonym