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
故障する
こしょうする (koshō suru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "break" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 壊れる and 故障する.
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, 故障する (こしょうする (koshō suru)) maps to "to break down, to malfunction" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used for machines, devices, or vehicles when they stop working properly. It's a する-verb, often used intransitively.. 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 "故障する"
私のパソコンが故障してしまいました。
My computer broke down.
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.". "故障する" represents "to break down, to malfunction".