Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "壊す", "割る", "故障する", "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
故障する
こしょうする (koshō suru)
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", "故障する", "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..
- 故障する (こしょうする (koshō suru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to break down, to malfunction" and is used when Used for machines, devices, or vehicles when they stop working properly. It's a する-verb, often used intransitively..
- 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 "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.
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.".