Translation guide
The English phrasal verb "break into" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: forcibly entering a place, suddenly starting an action (like running or laughing), beginning to succeed in a field, and interrupting something. Each meaning has different natural Japanese equivalents.
To gain entry by force, often illegally, such as a burglar breaking into a house or car.
The most common verb for breaking into a building with intent to commit a crime. Often used in news reports.
A burglar broke into the house last night.
A more formal term for illegal entry or trespassing. Used in legal contexts.
The criminal broke in through the window.
To pry open or force open a door, window, or lock. Emphasizes the physical action of breaking the lock or barrier.
There are signs that someone tried to break the door open.
Literally 'break and enter'. Used when physically breaking something (like a door) to get in.
The firefighters broke down the door and entered.
To begin an action abruptly and often involuntarily.
A general pattern: 'suddenly start ~ing'. Replace 〜 with the verb stem. Natural for many sudden actions.
He broke into a run.
The audience broke into applause.
Similar to 突然〜し始める but more colloquial. 〜し出す emphasizes the sudden onset.
She broke into laughter.
Used when a facial expression or state changes suddenly. For example, 'break into a smile'.
His face broke into a smile.
To enter and start becoming successful in a competitive area, like show business or a new market.
Literally 'step into the world of ~'. A natural way to say 'break into' a field like entertainment or publishing.
She couldn't break into show business for a long time.
Formal term for entering a market, used in business contexts.
Means 'achieve success in ~'. Can be used when someone finally breaks into a field and succeeds.
To suddenly start speaking while someone else is talking, or to interrupt an ongoing process.
The English 'break into' is a phrasal verb with multiple meanings. Directly translating 'break' and 'into' separately (e.g., 壊して中に入る) is usually unnatural. Always choose the Japanese expression that matches the intended meaning.
押し入る implies breaking in with force and often with criminal intent (robbery). 侵入する is a broader term for unlawful entry, including sneaking in without breaking anything. Use 押し入る for burglaries, 侵入する for trespassing or hacking.
The company is trying to break into the Asian market.
After much hardship, he broke into the film industry and succeeded.