Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Destroy" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "destroy", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
くずす
くずす (kuzusu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
滅ぼす
ほろぼす (horobosu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "destroy" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between くずす and 滅ぼす.
In Japanese, くずす (くずす (kuzusu)) is typically associated with "to destroy, to break down, to change (money)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Commonly used for breaking a physical structure, a routine, or changing a large denomination bill into smaller ones..
On the other hand, 滅ぼす (ほろぼす (horobosu)) maps to "to destroy, to ruin, to overthrow (transitive)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A transitive verb meaning to cause something to perish or be destroyed. Used when an agent actively brings about the destruction of another entity.. A literal translation of "destroy" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "くずす"
1万円札を千円札に崩してください。
Please break this 10,000 yen bill into 1,000 yen bills.
Bilingual Context for "滅ぼす"
敵国を滅ぼすために戦った。
They fought to destroy the enemy nation.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "1万円札を千円札に崩してください。" (Meaning: "Please break this 10,000 yen bill into 1,000 yen bills.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "くずす" fits here because it means "to destroy, to break down, to change (money)" in the context of: "Please break this 10,000 yen bill into 1,000 yen bills.". "滅ぼす" represents "to destroy, to ruin, to overthrow (transitive)".