Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "壊れる", "壊す", "割る", "休憩"
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
割る
わる (waru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
休憩
きゅうけい (kyuukei)
N3 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "break" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "壊れる", "壊す", "割る", "休憩" 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.
- 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..
- 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.
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 "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 "休憩"
仕事の合間に休憩する。
I take a break between work.
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.".