Translation guide
Describes losing emotional control, falling apart mentally, or breaking down under stress. Japanese expressions vary by nuance: sudden collapse, gradual deterioration, or complete loss of composure.
To suddenly become unable to cope emotionally, often crying or panicking.
To lose one's composure, become flustered or hysterical. Common for sudden emotional upset.
She went to pieces when she heard the news.
To break down crying, collapse in tears. Emphasizes physical collapse while weeping.
He went to pieces and broke down crying.
To panic, lose one's head. Casual and direct.
I went to pieces during the exam.
To be shaken, agitated, or disturbed. More formal and less dramatic than 取り乱す.
He went to pieces at that question.
To suffer a mental collapse, often over time, losing the ability to function normally.
To be mentally beaten, overwhelmed. Humble nuance; implies being worn down.
I went to pieces from work stress.
Lit. 'heart breaks'. To lose spirit, give up mentally. Common in burnout contexts.
After failing so many times, I went to pieces.
To become neurotic, have a nervous breakdown. Slightly dated clinical term.
He went to pieces from overwork.
To fall apart physically, become dilapidated, or stop working properly.
To become worn out, tattered, or in terrible condition. For objects, health, or mental state.
These shoes have gone to pieces.
He went to pieces after the divorce.
To break, be broken. For machines, objects, or figuratively for people.
To show signs of age or wear, start falling apart. Often for bodies or old machines.
My body is going to pieces lately.
Do not translate 'go to pieces' literally as 破片になる (become fragments). That is only for physical shattering, not for emotional or functional breakdown.
洗濯機が壊れた。
The washing machine went to pieces.