Translation guide
The English phrase "break down" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: mechanical failure, emotional collapse, analysis into parts, and physical decomposition. Each meaning has different natural Japanese expressions.
To stop functioning (machines, vehicles, systems)
General intransitive verb for something breaking or becoming out of order. Used for machines, electronics, etc.
My car broke down.
The air conditioner broke down.
More formal/technical term for malfunction or breakdown. Often used in written contexts or official announcements.
The elevator is out of order.
Literally 'stops moving'. A natural, slightly casual way to say something broke down.
My computer broke down.
To lose control of one's emotions, start crying, or have a mental health crisis
To break down in tears, collapse crying. Emphasizes the physical act of crying uncontrollably.
She broke down when she heard the sad news.
To be mentally overwhelmed or broken down. '参る' is a humble verb meaning to be defeated/affected.
To become unable to control one's emotions. A more descriptive phrase.
To separate something into smaller parts for analysis or understanding
To rot, decay, or be destroyed into basic elements
The English phrasal verb 'break down' does not have a single Japanese equivalent. Always choose the expression that matches the intended meaning (mechanical, emotional, analytical, etc.). Using 壊れる for emotional breakdown would be unnatural.
I broke down mentally from work stress.
He broke down and started crying loudly.
Let's break down the task into smaller steps and do them in order.
The garbage has broken down and smells.