Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "壊す", "割る", "折れる", "休憩"
All represent the core concept "break", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
壊す
こわす (kowasu)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
割る
わる (waru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
折れる
おれる (oreru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
休憩
きゅうけい (kyuukei)
N3 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "break" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "壊す", "割る", "折れる", "休憩" based on context.
- 壊す (こわす (kowasu) - Level: N4): Maps to "to break, to destroy (transitive)" and is used when Used when someone *intentionally or unintentionally* breaks something. It emphasizes the action of breaking by an agent.
- 割る (わる (waru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to break, to divide (transitive)" and is used when To intentionally break something into pieces or to divide something. It requires a subject performing the action on an object..
- 折れる (おれる (oreru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to break (snap); to bend; to fold; to turn (a corner)" and is used when This is an intransitive verb meaning something breaks.
- 休憩 (きゅうけい (kyuukei) - Level: N3): Maps to "break, rest (noun); to take a break (する)" and is used when A short pause from work, study, or other activity to rest. Often used with する.
Context for "壊す"
彼が時計を壊しました。
He broke the clock.
Context for "割る"
子どもがコップを割ってしまいました。
The child accidentally broke the glass.
Context for "折れる"
強風で木の枝が折れた。
The tree branch broke in the strong wind.
Context for "休憩"
仕事の合間に休憩する。
I take a break between work.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
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" is correct here because it represents "to break, to destroy (transitive)" in the context: "He broke the clock.".