🦅 Project Eagle
Quadruple VS

Synonym Boundary: "折れる", "休憩", "息抜き", "打破"

All represent the core concept "break", but require precise selection.

Japanese Option A

折れる

おれる (oreru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B

休憩

きゅうけい (kyuukei)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C

息抜き

いきぬき (ikinuki)
N2 / 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 "折れる", "休憩", "息抜き", "打破" based on context.
  • 折れる (おれる (oreru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to break (snap); to bend; to fold; to turn (a corner)" and is used when This is an intransitive verb meaning something breaks.
  • 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.
  • 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..
  • 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..
Mixing these up can easily lead to unnatural translations. Refer to the bilingual context cards below to master the boundaries!
Context for "折れる"
強風で木の枝が折れた。
The tree branch broke in the strong wind.
Context for "休憩"
仕事の合間に休憩する。
I take a break between work.
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.
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: "強風で木の枝が折れた。" (Meaning: "The tree branch broke in the strong wind.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "折れる" is correct here because it represents "to break (snap); to bend; to fold; to turn (a corner)" in the context: "The tree branch broke in the strong wind.".

💡 Practice with AI! Live

Don't just read. Practice speaking this grammar with our interactive AI coach for free!

Try AI Speaking 👉