Translation guide
The English word "broken" covers many meanings, from physical damage to abstract states. This guide organizes the most useful Japanese expressions by the intended meaning.
Describing objects, machines, or devices that are damaged and no longer work properly.
The most common and general word for something physically broken or out of order. It is the past tense of 壊れる (intransitive), used as an adjective.
This clock is broken.
I fixed the broken chair.
Specifically for machines, equipment, or systems that have malfunctioned. More formal than 壊れた.
The air conditioner is broken.
Used when something brittle like glass, ceramics, or an egg is cracked or shattered.
The window glass is broken.
Used when something long and thin, like a stick, bone, or pencil, is snapped in two.
The bone might be broken.
Formal term for damage or breakage, often used in official reports or product descriptions.
Broken items can be returned.
Describing lines, sleep, promises, records, etc., that are not whole or have been disrupted.
For something that was continuous but is now interrupted, like a line, conversation, or signal.
The phone call got broken up.
The moon appeared through a break in the clouds.
For something that was suspended or cut off, like a broadcast or event.
The game was broken off due to rain.
Used for promises, rules, or agreements that have been violated.
The promise was broken.
For something that has ceased completely, like a tradition or communication.
Communication has broken off.
Describing a person who is crushed, heartbroken, or mentally shattered.
Literally 'heart is broken', meaning to lose spirit or motivation. Very common in casual contexts.
I failed so many times I feel broken.
To be emotionally crushed or devastated, often by a severe setback.
He was broken by the news.
Emotionally hurt or wounded, often used for personal relationships.
She is deeply broken.
Describing systems, processes, or institutions that are dysfunctional.
Describing imperfect, halting, or non-fluent speech.
Describing uneven, rough, or rugged ground.
Literally 'with many undulations', used for hilly or uneven terrain.
The area has broken terrain.
Describes a bumpy or uneven surface, like a rough road.
We walked on broken ground.
English uses 'broken' metaphorically for many abstract states (e.g., broken system, broken heart). Direct translation with 壊れた is often unnatural. Use the specific expressions listed under each meaning.
壊れた is a general term for physical breakage. 故障した is specifically for mechanical or electronic malfunction. For a broken toy, use 壊れた; for a broken elevator, 故障した is more precise.
He spoke broken Japanese.
The vase is broken.
His Japanese is still broken.