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
打破
だは (daha)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "break" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 壊す and 打破.
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, 打破 (だは (daha)) maps to "to break down, to overcome, to defeat (a barrier, a system)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Implies forcefully breaking through or overcoming an existing barrier, difficulty, or system. Often used in contexts of innovation, reform, or achieving a breakthrough.. 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 "打破"
彼は古い慣習を打破するために戦った。
He fought to break down old customs.
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.". "打破" represents "to break down, to overcome, to defeat (a barrier, a system)".