〜きる

Meaning

The suffix 〜きる has two main meanings: (1) to complete or finish an action through to the end, and (2) to reach an extreme state or condition that cannot be exceeded. It is commonly used in set phrases like 疲れきる (to be exhausted) and やりきる (to complete/accomplish). The negative form 〜きれない indicates something is impossible to complete due to excess or overwhelming quantity.

Formation

Examples

1. こんなに大きなケーキだと思わなかった。一人では食べきれないよ。
   I didn't expect such a big cake. There's no way I can eat it all by myself.

2. トイレットペーパーを全部使いきってしまった。新しいのを買ってきてくれる？
   We've used up all the toilet paper. Could you buy some new rolls for me?

3. 試合が終わった時に選手たちはもう疲れきっていた。
   By the time the match ended, the players were completely exhausted.

Summary

• 〜きる expresses completing an action fully or reaching an extreme, exhausted state
• Use 〜きれない to say something cannot be finished or completed because there is too much
• Common in idiomatic expressions like 疲れきる (completely tired) and やりきる (accomplish fully)