Translation guide
The English word 'breach' covers several distinct meanings: breaking a rule or agreement, breaking through a physical barrier, and a gap or break in something. This guide organizes Japanese expressions by these core meanings.
To express the act of breaking or failing to observe a law, contract, duty, or promise.
breach of contract · breach of trust · breach of privacy · breach of the rules
The most common and general term for violation of a rule, law, or agreement. Used in legal, formal, and everyday contexts.
He was sued for breach of contract.
I paid a fine for a traffic violation.
Used for infringement of rights, privacy, or intellectual property. More formal and often legal.
They were sued for copyright infringement.
This is a breach of privacy.
Verb meaning to go against, defy, or betray. Used for breaching trust, expectations, or commands. Often has a nuance of disloyalty.
Betraying trust is a breach of expectations.
He breached the order.
General verb for breaking or tearing. Can be used for breaking promises, rules, or records. More casual than 違反.
Sorry for breaking my promise.
If you breach the rules, you'll be punished.
To express the act of breaking through a wall, line of defense, or security.
breach the defenses · breach the wall · breach the security
The standard term for breaking through enemy lines, barriers, or obstacles. Also used metaphorically for overcoming difficulties.
They breached the enemy's defensive line.
Can also mean to break through a physical barrier, though less specific than 突破. Often used for breaking through a door or wall.
To smash or break through forcefully. More emphatic and often used in military or dramatic contexts.
To refer to a physical gap or rupture in something, such as a wall, dam, or relationship.
a breach in the wall · a breach in the dam · a breach in their relationship
A tear, fissure, or crack. Used for physical gaps in objects or surfaces.
A breach appeared in the wall.
Literally 'breakthrough opening'. Used for a gap made by breaking through, or metaphorically for a way to solve a problem.
A crack or fissure. Often used for cracks in rocks, ice, or relationships.
A tear or rent, similar to 裂け目 but often implies something torn rather than naturally cracked.
違反 is the most general term for violation of rules or agreements. 侵害 is specifically for infringement of rights or privacy. 背く implies going against expectations or trust, often with a nuance of betrayal.
違反 is only for abstract violations. For breaking through a physical barrier, use 突破 or 破る.
The police breached the barricade.
壁を破って侵入した。
They breached the wall and entered.
They breached the castle walls.
A breach opened in the embankment.
A breach developed between the two.
Light leaks through the breach in the curtain.