Quintuple VS
Synonym Boundary: "壊れる", "壊す", "割る", "故障する", "息抜き"
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
故障する
こしょうする (koshō suru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option E
息抜き
いきぬき (ikinuki)
N2 / CEFR
Quintuple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "break" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "壊れる", "壊す", "割る", "故障する", "息抜き" 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..
- 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..
- 息抜き (いきぬき (ikinuki) - Level: N2): Maps to "break; relaxation; a breather" and is used when Refers to taking a break from work or study to refresh oneself..
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 "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 "息抜き"
仕事の合間にコーヒーを飲んで息抜きをする。
I drink coffee and take a break during 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.".