synonym Comparative
壊れる
VS
壊す
Differences Between "壊れる" and "壊す"
Option A
壊れる
Meaning
to break (intransitive)
Reading
こわれる (kowareru)
Syllabus Level
N4
Practical Example
私のパソコンが壊れてしまいました。
My computer broke.
Option B
壊す
Meaning
to break, to destroy (transitive)
Reading
こわす (kowasu)
Syllabus Level
N4
Practical Example
彼が時計を壊しました。
He broke the clock.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(to break (intransitive))"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 壊れる: Used when something breaks *by itself* or the cause is not specified. It emphasizes the state of being broken (e.g., The clock broke).
- 壊す: Used when someone *intentionally or unintentionally* breaks something. It emphasizes the action of breaking by an agent (e.g., I broke the clock).
- 壊れる: Used when something breaks *by itself* or the cause is not specified. It emphasizes the state of being broken (e.g., The clock broke).
- 壊す: Used when someone *intentionally or unintentionally* breaks something. It emphasizes the action of breaking by an agent (e.g., I broke the clock).
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