How do you say "Cut them small." in Japanese?

"Cut them small." in Japanese is "小さめに切ってね。". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

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How to Say ‘Cut them small.’ in Japanese

Q: What does "小さめに切ってね。" mean in English?

"小さめに切ってね。" means "Cut them small." in English. Usage tip: [小さめに切ってね。] means "Cut them a bit small." It sounds natural and friendly in a workplace with familiar coworkers.

小さめに切ってね。

chiisame ni kitsu te ne

[chee-sa-meh nee kit teh neh]

💬 Usage Tip: [小さめに切ってね。] means "Cut them a bit small." It sounds natural and friendly in a workplace with familiar coworkers.

🇯🇵 In Japan: Exact knife sizes may depend on the dish, so Japanese instructions often use relative words like [小さめ].

Phrase Breakdown

小さめ

chiisame

[chee-sa-meh]

on the small side; somewhat small

Describes a size slightly smaller than normal, often for chopping ingredients.

Example

にんじんは小さめに切ってね。

Cut the carrots a little small, okay?

に

[nee]

into; to; in a way that

Connects the size expression to the action of cutting.

Example

小さめに切ってね、と言われました。

I was told, 'Cut it a little small, okay?'

切って

kitsu te

cut; cut up

Te-form of 切る, used here to give a request or instruction.

Example

野菜を切って。

Cut the vegetables.

Words in this phrase

切っ

kitsu

[kit]

cut

From the verb 切る, meaning to cut. Used in instructions during prep work.

Example

野菜を切ってね。

Cut the vegetables, okay?

て

[teh]

and; please do

The て-form used for casual instructions and requests.

Example

小さめに切ってね、と頼みます。

I ask, 'Please cut it a little small, okay?'

ね

[neh]

okay?; right?; please

A friendly ending that softens the instruction and sounds natural in casual workplace speech.

Example

小さめに切ってね、と優しく言います。

You gently say, 'Cut it a little small, okay?'

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