Translation guide
Expresses that something is physically damaged, not functioning, or in a state of disrepair. Japanese uses different verbs and adjectives depending on what is broken and how.
Describes objects that are cracked, smashed, or broken into pieces.
Intransitive verb for something being broken or out of order. Used for machines, furniture, and objects that can break down.
テレビが壊れた。
The TV is broken.
この椅子は壊れている。
This chair is broken.
Intransitive verb for something cracking or breaking into pieces, especially glass, ceramics, or eggs.
Intransitive verb for something snapping or breaking, typically long, thin objects like sticks, bones, or pencils.
鉛筆の芯が折れた。
The pencil lead is broken.
骨が折れているかもしれない。
The bone might be broken.
Intransitive verb for something being smashed or shattered into small pieces. More violent than 割れる.
コップが粉々に砕けた。
The cup was broken into smithereens.
Describes devices or systems that are out of order or not working.
Suru-verb meaning to break down or malfunction. Often used for mechanical or electronic failures.
エアコンが故障している。
The air conditioner is broken.
車が故障して動かない。
The car broke down and won't move.
Also used for non-functioning items, but more general than 故障する. Can imply physical damage as well.
Literally 'doesn't move/work'. A simple way to say something isn't functioning.
時計が動かない。
The clock is broken (not working).
Refers to fractures or breaks in bones.
Medical term for breaking a bone. Used as a suru-verb.
腕を骨折した。
I broke my arm.
足の骨が折れている。
The bone in my leg is broken.
Intransitive verb for a bone breaking. Often used in casual speech.
転んで骨が折れた。
I fell and broke a bone.
Describes violations or failures to keep commitments.
Transitive verb meaning to break (a promise, rule, record). The thing broken is marked with を.
約束を破った。
I broke my promise.
法律を破ってはいけない。
You must not break the law.
Literally 'not protect/keep'. A softer way to say a promise or rule was broken.
彼は約束を守らなかった。
He broke his promise.
Describes a person's spirit or heart being crushed.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'one's heart/spirit is broken', often from discouragement or failure.
何度も失敗して心が折れた。
I failed so many times that my spirit is broken.
Passive form meaning to be emotionally devastated or crushed.
その知らせに打ちのめされた。
I was broken by the news.
Describes imperfect, halting, or non-fluent language use.
Attributive phrase meaning 'broken' as in 'broken English/Japanese'. Used before the language name.
彼は片言の英語を話す。
He speaks broken English.
Adjective meaning halting, faltering, or broken (speech).
彼の日本語はたどたどしい。
His Japanese is broken.
壊れる is a general term for something being broken or out of order, often implying physical damage. 故障する specifically refers to mechanical or electronic malfunction and is more formal. Use 故障する for cars, appliances, and systems when the issue is functional rather than visibly smashed.
The English idiom 'broken heart' does not directly translate to 壊れた心. Instead, use 失恋 (broken heart from unrequited love) or 心が折れる (discouraged spirit).
パソコンが壊れた。
My computer is broken.