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
折れる
おれる (oreru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "break" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 壊す and 折れる.
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, 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 "壊す"
彼が時計を壊しました。
He broke the clock.
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: "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.". "折れる" represents "to break (snap); to bend; to fold; to turn (a corner)".