Translation guide
The English verb 'destroy' covers a wide range of meanings from physical demolition to ruining abstract things. This guide helps learners choose the most natural Japanese expression based on what is being destroyed and how.
To express that a physical object, building, or structure is completely broken or torn down.
The most common and general verb for breaking or destroying physical objects. Can be used for things like toys, furniture, machines, etc.
The child destroyed the toy.
The house was destroyed by the earthquake.
A more formal or technical term for destruction, often used for large-scale or systematic destruction, like in war or disasters.
The bomb destroyed the building.
To crush, smash, or flatten something. Often implies destroying by applying pressure or force, like crushing a can or ruining a business.
I crushed the empty can and put it out for recycling.
A more emphatic or violent way to say 'destroy' or 'smash', often used in casual or rough speech.
He got angry and smashed the wall.
To express that something non-physical is ruined, such as a plan, mood, relationship, or opportunity.
The most common way to say 'ruin' or 'spoil' something abstract. Used for plans, fun, atmosphere, etc.
The rain destroyed our picnic.
His one remark destroyed the atmosphere.
Can also be used metaphorically for abstract things like relationships, trust, or atmosphere.
To bring about ruin or downfall, often used for someone's life, career, or a nation. Strong and dramatic.
Gambling destroyed his life.
To express that someone or something is completely beaten, wiped out, or rendered powerless.
To defeat decisively; to beat thoroughly. Common in sports, games, or conflicts.
We completely destroyed the enemy.
Literally 'pulverize', used figuratively for crushing an opponent or argument.
To annihilate or wipe out completely, often used in military contexts.
The unit destroyed the enemy.
To express that an animal is killed, especially for humane reasons or pest control.
To express that digital information is permanently removed.
壊す (kowasu) is the everyday word for breaking or destroying physical objects. 破壊する (hakai suru) is more formal and often implies large-scale or systematic destruction, like in war or engineering. Use 壊す for most daily situations.
English uses 'destroy' in many figurative ways (e.g., 'destroy the competition', 'destroyed by the news'). Japanese often uses different verbs depending on the nuance. For emotional devastation, consider 打ちのめす (uchinomesu) or ショックを受ける (shokku o ukeru) instead of a direct translation.
The lie destroyed trust.
His rebuttal destroyed the opponent's argument.
Destroy pests.