Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "壊れる", "壊す", "割れる", "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
割れる
われる (wareru)
N4 / 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", "割れる", "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.
- 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..
- 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 "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 "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.".