1.
breaking off a friendship; severing ties
Completely ending a friendship or personal relationship. A decisive, permanent break rather than a temporary falling out. Composed of 絶 (sever) + 交 (association).
親友と絶交した。
I broke off my friendship with my best friend.
裏切られて、彼とは絶交することにした。
I was betrayed, so I decided to cut ties with him.
子供の頃に「絶交だ！」と言い合っても、次の日には仲直りしていた。
Even when we'd yell 'I'm never speaking to you again!' as kids, we'd make up the next day.
USAGE:
絶交 implies a complete and deliberate severing of a personal relationship. Among children, 「絶交だ！」 is a common exclamation during arguments, though it is often not permanent. Among adults, it carries more weight.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- ～と絶交する (to break off friendship with ~)
- 絶交だ！ (we're through! — often used by children)
- 絶交状態 (state of being estranged)
SIMILAR WORDS:
断交 is used for severing diplomatic relations between countries. 絶縁 means cutting ties with family members and is more severe.