1.
sharpness; cutting quality
How well a blade or cutting tool cuts. The quality or degree of sharpness.
この包丁は切れ味がいい。
This kitchen knife has good sharpness.
切れ味が落ちたナイフを研いだ。
I sharpened the knife that had lost its edge.
新しいはさみは切れ味が抜群だ。
The new scissors have outstanding sharpness.
2.
incisiveness; sharpness (figurative)
The sharpness or effectiveness of words, arguments, or actions. Used figuratively for things that are sharp and decisive.
彼女の発言は切れ味が鋭い。
Her remarks are sharp and incisive.
今日のプレゼンは切れ味のある内容だった。
Today's presentation had sharp, incisive content.
年齢を重ねても、彼の批評の切れ味は衰えない。
Even as he ages, the sharpness of his criticism doesn't decline.
切れ味 literally means 'cutting flavor' — the quality of how well something cuts. Widely used both for actual blades and figuratively for sharp wit, speech, or performance.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 切れ味がいい/わるい: good/bad sharpness
- 切れ味が鋭い: extremely sharp
- 切れ味が落ちる: to lose its edge
- 切れ味が抜群: outstanding sharpness
FIGURATIVE USAGE:
The figurative sense applies to anything that is sharp and decisive:
- Speeches and arguments: 彼の批評の切れ味 (the sharpness of his criticism)
- Athletic moves: ドリブルの切れ味 (sharpness of dribbling)
- Writing and wit: 切れ味のある文章 (sharp, incisive writing)