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.
I broke my phone.
Intransitive is often more natural when the cause is not emphasized.
He broke the window.
Let's take a break.
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.
Break something long and thin by bending or snapping, like a stick, pencil, or bone.
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.
Used for breaking promises, rules, records, and contracts. Implies violation.
To surpass a previous best performance or achievement.
Standard phrase for breaking a record in sports or other fields.
To stop doing something habitual, especially something bad.
Simple way to say 'quit a habit'. Literally 'stop a habit'.
To soften or interrupt a physical impact.
General phrase for cushioning or softening an impact.
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.
Break a window (using 壊す sounds like smashing it with force, 割る is more natural)
For breaking rules, promises, or records, use (), not . implies physical destruction.
He broke the window.
I accidentally broke the cup.
Break an egg.
I broke the branch.
Don't break the pencil.
紙を破る。
Break (tear) paper.
General intransitive verb for something breaking or getting damaged. Used for machines, objects, and abstract things.
The TV broke.
The computer seems like it's going to break.
Intransitive for hard objects cracking or shattering, like glass or plates.
The window glass broke.
Intransitive for long, thin objects snapping, like a stick or bone.
I broke a bone.
Standard phrase for breaking a bone. The verb 折る is used specifically for bones.
I broke my arm bone.
I broke my leg.
Medical/formal term for bone fracture. Often used in compound with body part.
I fractured a bone.
I broke my promise.
Break the law.
Formal term for violating rules, regulations, or traffic laws.
I broke traffic rules.
He broke the world record.
More formal, often used in news. Means 'renew/update a record'.
I broke my personal best.
I want to break my bad habit.
Means 'fix/correct a habit'. Often used for personal mannerisms.
I want to break my nail-biting habit.
I broke the fall with my hands.
Noun meaning 'break' or 'rest'. Often used with する or をとる.
Let's take a break.
Take a short break.
General word for rest, holiday, or break. Can be used for school breaks or days off.
Lunch break
I broke my promise (incorrect, use 破った)