Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Break" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "break", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
壊れる
こわれる (kowareru)
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 壊れる and 折れる.
In Japanese, 壊れる (こわれる (kowareru)) is typically associated with "to break (intransitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used when something breaks *by itself* or the cause is not specified. It emphasizes the state of being broken.
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 "壊れる"
私のパソコンが壊れてしまいました。
My computer broke.
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: "私のパソコンが壊れてしまいました。" (Meaning: "My computer broke.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "壊れる" fits here because it means "to break (intransitive)" in the context of: "My computer broke.". "折れる" represents "to break (snap); to bend; to fold; to turn (a corner)".