Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "壊れる", "割る", "故障する", "打開"
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
故障する
こしょうする (koshō suru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
打開
だかい (dakai)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "break" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "壊れる", "割る", "故障する", "打開" 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..
- 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..
- 打開 (だかい (dakai) - Level: N2): Maps to "to break through (a deadlock); to find a way out; to overcome (a difficult situation)" and is used when 行き詰まった状況や困難な問題を「切り開いて解決する」ことを表す名詞・動詞です。/ A noun/verb that means 'to break open and resolve' a deadlocked situation or a difficult problem..
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 "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 "打開"
この閉塞感を打破するためには、新しい発想が必要だ。
To break through this sense of stagnation, new ideas are needed.
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.".