Translation guide
Describes materials that break or snap easily under stress, often without bending. Also used figuratively for fragile systems, relationships, or emotional states.
Describing hard objects that crack or shatter easily when struck or bent, like glass, dry twigs, or biscuits.
The most common and general word for 'brittle'. Used for materials that break easily, like glass, ceramics, or dry wood. Also used metaphorically for fragile things.
This glass is very brittle, so please handle it with care.
Dry branches are brittle and break easily.
Literally 'easy to break'. A more general term for fragility, not limited to brittleness. Can be used for any delicate object.
This pottery is brittle, so don't drop it.
Specifically 'easy to crack/shatter'. Used for glass, ceramics, and similar materials.
Thin ice is brittle, so don't step on it.
Describing things that crumble or break into pieces easily, like cookies, chalk, or old paper.
Also used for crumbly textures, though it's more common for hard materials. Context makes the meaning clear.
These cookies are so brittle they crumble when you hold them.
Means 'easy to crumble'. Better for describing things that fall apart into pieces, like dry soil or pastry.
Describing something non-physical that can easily fail or break down, like a peace agreement, a plan, or a person's mental state.
Commonly used metaphorically for fragile things like promises, trust, or mental strength.
Their friendship was surprisingly brittle.
A more formal term meaning 'vulnerable' or 'fragile'. Often used for systems, security, or infrastructure.
Means 'unstable'. Can be used when 'brittle' implies a lack of stability, like in a brittle economy or mood.
In materials science, describing a substance that breaks with little plastic deformation.
脆い implies inherent brittleness—the material itself snaps or crumbles easily. 壊れやすい is broader: anything easily damaged, including complex devices. A smartphone is 壊れやすい but not 脆い.
脆い is not used for things that are flimsy or bendable but don't break, like thin plastic. For that, use 柔らかい (やわらかい) or ペラペラ.
This chalk is brittle and hard to write with.
The peace agreement is still in a brittle state.
This system is brittle and vulnerable to cyberattacks.
His mental state is brittle and can crumble over small things.
Glass is a typical brittle material.