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synonym Comparative
破れる
VS
むしる

Differences Between "破れる" and "むしる"

Option A
破れる
Meaning
to tear, to be torn, to rip (intransitive)
Reading
やぶれる (yabureru)
Syllabus Level
N4
Practical Example
古い本だから、ページが破れやすい。
It's an old book, so the pages tear easily.
Option B
むしる
Meaning
to pluck, to tear off (e.g., feathers, grass), to strip off
Reading
むしる (mushiru)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
庭の雑草を一つずつ手でむしり取った。
I plucked out each weed in the garden by hand.

Which one to use?

Select the correct Japanese word for this context

Which word fits this context: "(to tear, to be torn, to rip (intransitive))"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 破れる: An intransitive verb, meaning something tears or gets ripped by itself or unintentionally. Often used with が. (物が自発的に、または意図せず裂ける状態を表す動詞。)
- むしる: Used for pulling off small pieces (like leaves, grass, feathers) with fingers, often implying some force. Similar to 'はがす' but implies tearing rather than peeling. 指で引っぱってちぎり取る、または抜き取るような動作を表します。
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