Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Break" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "break", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
壊す
こわす (kowasu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
割れる
われる (wareru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "break" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 壊す and 割れる.
In Japanese, 壊す (こわす (kowasu)) is typically associated with "to break, to destroy (transitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used when someone *intentionally or unintentionally* breaks something. It emphasizes the action of breaking by an agent.
On the other hand, 割れる (われる (wareru)) maps to "to break, to crack (intransitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Indicates that something breaks or cracks, often unintentionally or by itself. The focus is on the object undergoing the change.. A literal translation of "break" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "壊す"
彼が時計を壊しました。
He broke the clock.
Bilingual Context for "割れる"
地震で窓のガラスが割れました。
The window glass broke due to the earthquake.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼が時計を壊しました。" (Meaning: "He broke the clock.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "壊す" fits here because it means "to break, to destroy (transitive)" in the context of: "He broke the clock.". "割れる" represents "to break, to crack (intransitive)".