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
息抜き
いきぬき (ikinuki)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "break" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 壊す and 息抜き.
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, 息抜き (いきぬき (ikinuki)) maps to "break; relaxation; a breather" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to taking a break from work or study to refresh oneself.. 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 "息抜き"
仕事の合間にコーヒーを飲んで息抜きをする。
I drink coffee and take a break during work.
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.". "息抜き" represents "break; relaxation; a breather".