# 切る（きる）: do completely to the end

> Learn how to use 切る（きる）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning do completely to the end, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N3 · Updated: 2026-05-18 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n3-kiru/

**切る（きる）** means **do completely to the end**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **show that an action is finished completely or with full effort**.

This grammar point often appears in **neutral** Japanese. If you want to **show that an action is finished completely or with full effort**, **切る（きる）** is a useful pattern to learn.

## What does 切る（きる） mean?

Use **切る（きる）** when you want to **show that an action is finished completely or with full effort**.

Natural translations include:
- do completely to the end
- do completely to the end
- do completely to the end

## How to form 切る（きる）

Verbます-stem + 切る

Examples of the pattern:
- 食べ切る
- 走り切る
- 言い切る

## When is 切る（きる） used?

Use **切る（きる）** in situations like:
- finishing food or tasks
- completing a challenge
- speaking with confidence

Tone and register:
- neutral
- Common in JLPT reading, grammar questions, and natural Japanese sentences

## 切る（きる） example sentences

- 彼は大きなピザを一人で食べ切った。 — He finished a whole large pizza by himself.
- 最後まで走り切ることが大切だ。 — It is important to run all the way to the end.
- この仕事を今日中にやり切りたい。 — I want to finish this work completely today.
- 彼女は自分が正しいと言い切った。 — She declared firmly that she was right.
- 疲れていたが、試験を受け切った。 — I was tired, but I completed the exam.

## Nuance of 切る（きる）

The key nuance is **completion, decisiveness, or doing something all the way**.

This matters because **切る（きる）** does more than translate one English phrase. It tells the reader how the speaker is framing the situation, whether as emphasis, contrast, obligation, approximation, or evidence.

For example:
- In context, it sounds natural when the surrounding sentence supports the nuance.
- Compared with **[終わる](/blog/n4-owaru/)**, it has a different focus and level of formality.

## 切る（きる） vs 終わる

Both **切る（きる）** and **[終わる](/blog/n4-owaru/)** can appear in related situations, but they are different.

**切る（きる）**:
- means **do completely to the end**
- fits the specific N3 pattern and nuance explained above

**[終わる](/blog/n4-owaru/)**:
- 終わる says something ends; 切る stresses completing it fully or pushing through

Quick contrast examples:
- Target: 彼は大きなピザを一人で食べ切った。 — He finished a whole large pizza by himself.
- Compare: Try replacing it with **[終わる](/blog/n4-owaru/)** and check whether the nuance still matches.

## Common mistakes with 切る（きる）

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using dictionary form before 切る
- Using it for accidental endings with no sense of completion
- Confusing it with the basic verb 切る “to cut”

## Is 切る（きる） on the JLPT?

Yes. **切る（きる）** is commonly taught as **JLPT N3** grammar.

That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences

## Practice questions for 切る（きる）

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Say you finished reading a book.
- Say you ran to the end.
- Say someone stated something decisively.

## Learning path for 切る（きる）

To learn **切る（きる）** efficiently, review verb-stem compounds first, then notice whether the pattern stresses completion, excess, continuation, or a result.

1. First, make sure you can form **切る（きる）** without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with [上げる（あげる）・上がる（あがる）](/blog/n3-ageru/), [切れない（きれない）](/blog/n3-kirenai/). These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.
3. Finally, write sentences about finishing projects, using something up, or actions continuing; then check whether replacing **切る（きる）** with [直す（なおす）](/blog/n3-naosu/) changes the meaning.

## Related grammar to review next

- [上げる（あげる）・上がる（あがる）](/blog/n3-ageru/) — because it is another compound or result-focused pattern for actions.
- [切れない（きれない）](/blog/n3-kirenai/) — because it is another compound or result-focused pattern for actions.
- [直す（なおす）](/blog/n3-naosu/) — because it is another compound or result-focused pattern for actions.
- [込む（こむ）](/blog/n3-komu/) — because it is another compound or result-focused pattern for actions.

## Learn 切る（きる） with Hane

If you want to review **切る（きる）** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
- [JLPT N3 grammar lessons](/blog/n3/)