Quintuple VS
Synonym Boundary: "壊す", "割れる", "故障する", "折れる", "息抜き"
All represent the core concept "break", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
壊す
こわす (kowasu)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
割れる
われる (wareru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
故障する
こしょうする (koshō suru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
折れる
おれる (oreru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option E
息抜き
いきぬき (ikinuki)
N2 / CEFR
Quintuple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "break" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "壊す", "割れる", "故障する", "折れる", "息抜き" 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.
- 割れる (われる (wareru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to break, to crack (intransitive)" and is used when Indicates that something breaks or cracks, often unintentionally or by itself. The focus is on the object undergoing the change..
- 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..
- 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.
- 息抜き (いきぬき (ikinuki) - Level: N2): Maps to "break; relaxation; a breather" and is used when Refers to taking a break from work or study to refresh oneself..
Context for "壊す"
彼が時計を壊しました。
He broke the clock.
Context for "割れる"
地震で窓のガラスが割れました。
The window glass broke due to the earthquake.
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 "折れる"
強風で木の枝が折れた。
The tree branch broke in the strong wind.
Context for "息抜き"
仕事の合間にコーヒーを飲んで息抜きをする。
I drink coffee and take a break during 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.".