Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "壊れる", "壊す", "休憩", "打破"
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
壊す
こわす (kowasu)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
休憩
きゅうけい (kyuukei)
N3 / 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 "壊れる", "壊す", "休憩", "打破" 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.
- 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.
- 休憩 (きゅうけい (kyuukei) - Level: N3): Maps to "break, rest (noun); to take a break (する)" and is used when A short pause from work, study, or other activity to rest. Often used with する.
- 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 "壊れる"
私のパソコンが壊れてしまいました。
My computer broke.
Context for "壊す"
彼が時計を壊しました。
He broke the clock.
Context for "休憩"
仕事の合間に休憩する。
I take a break between 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: "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.".