1.
to drain off moisture; to pat dry; to wring out water
To remove excess water or moisture from food, laundry, or other items. A common cooking and household term.
豆腐の水気を切る。
To drain the moisture from tofu.
野菜を洗ったら、しっかり水気を切ってください。
After washing the vegetables, please drain them thoroughly.
水気を切らないまま揚げると、油がはねて危険だ。
If you fry without draining the moisture, the oil will splatter and it's dangerous.
USAGE:
Primarily a cooking term. 水気 (moisture, water content) + を切る (to cut/remove). Essential in Japanese cooking where excess moisture affects texture and oil temperature.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 水気をよく切る (to drain well)
- 水気をしっかり切る (to drain thoroughly)
- キッチンペーパーで水気を取る (to remove moisture with a paper towel)
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 水を切る: to drain water — similar meaning, slightly more general
- 水分を飛ばす: to evaporate moisture — using heat rather than draining