Translation guide
The English verb "crumble" has two main meanings: to break into small pieces (physical) and to collapse or fail (metaphorical). Japanese uses different verbs for each, and the metaphorical sense often requires context-specific expressions.
To cause something solid to break into crumbs or small fragments, or to fall apart in this way.
Transitive verb meaning to break something into pieces, crumble, or demolish. Often used for food, structures, or abstract things like balance.
クッキーを細かく崩す。
Crumble the cookie into small pieces.
彼は壁を崩した。
He broke down the wall.
Intransitive verb meaning to collapse, crumble, or fall apart. Used for natural crumbling, landslides, or things losing shape.
古い建物が崩れた。
The old building crumbled.
崖が崩れて道路を塞いだ。
The cliff crumbled and blocked the road.
Transitive verb meaning to crush, smash, or break into small pieces. More forceful than 崩す, often used for hard materials.
氷を砕いてください。
Please crush the ice.
Intransitive verb meaning to be crushed, broken, or shattered. Used for brittle things like glass or ice.
コップが落ちて砕けた。
The cup fell and shattered.
Phrase meaning to become crumbly or fall apart, often describing something worn out or disintegrating.
この本はぼろぼろになった。
This book has crumbled to pieces.
To describe a system, plan, relationship, or hope falling apart or failing completely.
Formal noun-verb meaning collapse, breakdown, or crumbling. Used for systems, governments, relationships, etc.
経済が崩壊した。
The economy crumbled.
彼の計画は崩壊した。
His plan crumbled.
Also used metaphorically for things like balance, composure, or plans falling apart.
Literary term meaning to fall apart like a roof tile, used for complete collapse of organizations or systems.
帝国は内部から瓦解した。
The empire crumbled from within.
Idiomatic phrase meaning to crumble with a crash, emphasizing sudden and noisy collapse.
彼の人生は音を立てて崩れた。
His life crumbled around him.
Referring to the dessert topping made of flour, butter, and sugar.
Loanword from English, used specifically for the dessert crumble.
アップルクランブルを作った。
I made an apple crumble.
崩す (transitive) means to intentionally break something down, while 崩れる (intransitive) means something collapses on its own. Use 崩す when you are the agent, and 崩れる when describing a natural process.
English 'crumble' in metaphorical contexts (e.g., 'his hopes crumbled') is often best translated with 崩壊する or 崩れる, not with words for physical crumbling like 砕ける. Using the wrong verb can sound unnatural.
彼の自信が崩れた。
His confidence crumbled.
天気が崩れる。
The weather breaks down (turns bad).