Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "壊す", "折れる", "息抜き", "打破"
All represent the core concept "break", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
壊す
こわす (kowasu)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
折れる
おれる (oreru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
息抜き
いきぬき (ikinuki)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
打破
だは (daha)
N1 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "break" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "壊す", "折れる", "息抜き", "打破" 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.
- 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..
- 打破 (だは (daha) - Level: N1): Maps to "to break down, to overcome, to defeat (a barrier, a system)" and is used when Implies forcefully breaking through or overcoming an existing barrier, difficulty, or system. Often used in contexts of innovation, reform, or achieving a breakthrough..
Context for "壊す"
彼が時計を壊しました。
He broke the clock.
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.
Context for "打破"
彼は古い慣習を打破するために戦った。
He fought to break down old customs.
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.".