Translation guide
The English verb 'break' covers many meanings, from physically smashing something to interrupting an activity or violating a rule. This guide organizes the most common uses for learners and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
To cause something to separate into pieces or stop functioning by force.
General word for breaking or destroying something. Works for both physical objects and abstract things like relationships.
Used for breaking hard, brittle objects like glass, plates, or eggs. Implies cracking or splitting.
コップを割ってしまった。
I accidentally broke the cup.
Break something long and thin by bending or snapping, like a stick, pencil, or bone.
枝を折った。
I broke the branch.
Break something flat and flexible by tearing, like paper or cloth. Also used for breaking promises or rules.
For something to become broken or stop functioning on its own.
To fracture a bone in one's body.
To fail to follow a rule, agreement, or legal requirement.
To surpass a previous best performance or achievement.
To stop doing something habitual, especially something bad.
Simple way to say 'quit a habit'. Literally 'stop a habit'.
悪い習慣をやめたい。
I want to break my bad habit.
Means 'fix/correct a habit'. Often used for personal mannerisms.
To soften or interrupt a physical impact.
General phrase for cushioning or softening an impact.
手で衝撃を和らげた。
I broke the fall with my hands.
To pause work or activity for rest.
壊す is the most general 'break'. 割る is for hard, brittle things (glass, eggs). 折る is for long, thin things (sticks, bones). Choose based on the object's material and shape.
窓を壊す (unnatural)
Break a window (using 壊す sounds like smashing it with force, 割る is more natural)
For breaking rules, promises, or records, use 破る (やぶる), not 壊す. 壊す implies physical destruction.
約束を壊した (wrong)
I broke my promise (incorrect, use 破った)
卵を割る。
Break an egg.
鉛筆を折らないで。
Don't break the pencil.
Break (tear) paper.
General intransitive verb for something breaking or getting damaged. Used for machines, objects, and abstract things.
テレビが壊れた。
The TV broke.
パソコンが壊れそう。
The computer seems like it's going to break.
Intransitive for hard objects cracking or shattering, like glass or plates.
窓ガラスが割れた。
The window glass broke.
Intransitive for long, thin objects snapping, like a stick or bone.
骨が折れた。
I broke a bone.
Standard phrase for breaking a bone. The verb 折る is used specifically for bones.
Medical/formal term for bone fracture. Often used in compound with body part.
骨折した。
I fractured a bone.
Used for breaking promises, rules, records, and contracts. Implies violation.
Formal term for violating rules, regulations, or traffic laws.
交通規則に違反した。
I broke traffic rules.
More formal, often used in news. Means 'renew/update a record'.
自己ベストを更新した。
I broke my personal best.
爪を噛む癖を直したい。
I want to break my nail-biting habit.
Noun meaning 'break' or 'rest'. Often used with する or をとる.
休憩しましょう。
Let's take a break.
ちょっと休憩をとる。
Take a short break.