Quintuple VS
Synonym Boundary: "壊れる", "割る", "割れる", "故障する", "折れる"
All represent the core concept "break", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
壊れる
こわれる (kowareru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
割る
わる (waru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
割れる
われる (wareru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
故障する
こしょうする (koshō suru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option E
折れる
おれる (oreru)
N4 / CEFR
Quintuple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "break" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "壊れる", "割る", "割れる", "故障する", "折れる" based on context.
- 壊れる (こわれる (kowareru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to break (intransitive)" and is used when Used when something breaks *by itself* or the cause is not specified. It emphasizes the state of being broken.
- 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..
- 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.
Context for "壊れる"
私のパソコンが壊れてしまいました。
My computer broke.
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 "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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私のパソコンが壊れてしまいました。" (Meaning: "My computer broke.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "壊れる" is correct here because it represents "to break (intransitive)" in the context: "My computer broke.".