Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Tear" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "tear", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
破れる
やぶれる (yabureru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
綻び
ほころび (hokorobi)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "tear" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 破れる and 綻び.
In Japanese, 破れる (やぶれる (yabureru)) is typically associated with "to tear, to be torn, to rip (intransitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents An intransitive verb, meaning something tears or gets ripped by itself or unintentionally. Often used with が..
On the other hand, 綻び (ほころび (hokorobi)) maps to "tear, rip, loose thread (in clothes); a crack/flaw (in a plan/relationship)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Can refer to a physical tear in fabric or, metaphorically, a flaw or crack appearing in a plan, relationship, or perfect facade. Often used with が出る. A literal translation of "tear" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "破れる"
古い本だから、ページが破れやすい。
It's an old book, so the pages tear easily.
Bilingual Context for "綻び"
古いコートの袖に綻びが見つかった。
A tear was found in the sleeve of the old coat.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "古い本だから、ページが破れやすい。" (Meaning: "It's an old book, so the pages tear easily.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "破れる" fits here because it means "to tear, to be torn, to rip (intransitive)" in the context of: "It's an old book, so the pages tear easily.". "綻び" represents "tear, rip, loose thread (in clothes); a crack/flaw (in a plan/relationship)".