Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "壊す", "故障する", "折れる", "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
故障する
こしょうする (koshō suru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
折れる
おれる (oreru)
N4 / 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", "故障する", "折れる", "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.
- 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.
- 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 "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 "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.".