Use of abrasive water jet (AWJ) to break rock is a promising technology for improving the speed of tunnelling hard rock roadways. In this study, smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) and the finite element method (FEM) were coupled to develop a method that was used to simulate the abrasive water jet slit rock. The failure patterns and crack evolution were analysed. Moreover, the effects of parameters of AWJ on rock slit were studied. Furthermore, the motion behaviour of abrasive particles after collision with hard rock is discussed. The results indicated that the optimum mass concentration and diameter of AWJ were 15% and 1.6 mm, respectively, and the depth of slits cut in rocks increased nonlinearly with increasing pressure. Instantaneous failure and multi-step cumulative failure occurred at the centres and edges of rock fractures, respectively. For impacts at large incident angles, the cumulative damage velocities were greater for the central cracks than the radial cracks. The impact velocity had the greatest effect on the propagation of the central cracks, while the effect on the radial cracks was relatively small. The equivalent stress caused by impact was the primary reason for the failure of rock elements at the main impact site, and the cracks in rock were mainly caused by tensile stress. The damage of rock elements accumulated in steps similar to the shape of stairs. Damage accumulated faster when the pressure peak was large and the pressure undulated frequently. The findings of this study provide a theoretical reference for optimizing the parameters of AWJ and increasing the speed of excavating in hard rock. Display omitted •The best parameters of abrasive water jet rotating grooved rock were determined•The damage features of rock slits include instantaneous damage and stepped rise.•The central crack is sensitive to the impact angle, and the damage raises faster.•Multiple factors caused rock damage, and crack mainly depends on the traction.