Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Break" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "break", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
割る
わる (waru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
折れる
おれる (oreru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "break" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 割る and 折れる.
In Japanese, 割る (わる (waru)) is typically associated with "to break, to divide (transitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents To intentionally break something into pieces or to divide something. It requires a subject performing the action on an object..
On the other hand, 折れる (おれる (oreru)) maps to "to break (snap); to bend; to fold; to turn (a corner)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents This is an intransitive verb meaning something breaks. A literal translation of "break" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "割る"
子どもがコップを割ってしまいました。
The child accidentally broke the glass.
Bilingual Context for "折れる"
強風で木の枝が折れた。
The tree branch broke in the strong wind.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "子どもがコップを割ってしまいました。" (Meaning: "The child accidentally broke the glass.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "割る" fits here because it means "to break, to divide (transitive)" in the context of: "The child accidentally broke the glass.". "折れる" represents "to break (snap); to bend; to fold; to turn (a corner)".