1.
to be torn off, to come apart, to break into pieces
Something separates or breaks apart on its own, or as a result of force. Often used for paper, cloth, rope, or similar materials that tear or come apart.
紐が千切れた。
The string snapped.
古いポスターが千切れている。
The old poster is torn.
風で旗の端が千切れてしまった。
The edge of the flag was torn off by the wind.
2.
to break apart, to scatter (of clouds, etc.)
Used figuratively or descriptively for things like clouds breaking apart in the sky.
雲が千切れて青空が見えた。
The clouds broke apart and blue sky appeared.
千切れ雲が空に浮かんでいる。
Scattered clouds are floating in the sky.
夕暮れの空に千切れた雲が赤く染まっていた。
Scattered clouds in the evening sky were dyed red.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 千切れ雲 (scattered clouds)
- 千切れるほど手を振る (wave one's hand vigorously — literally, as if it might tear off)
RELATED WORDS:
The transitive pair is 千切る (to tear off, to rip apart). 千切れる is the intransitive — the tearing happens on its own or as a result. Often written in kana as ちぎれる.