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.
彼女はその知らせを聞いて取り乱した。
She went to pieces when she heard the news.
To break down crying, collapse in tears. Emphasizes physical collapse while weeping.
彼は悲しみのあまり泣き崩れた。
He went to pieces and broke down crying.
To panic, lose one's head. Casual and direct.
試験中にパニックになってしまった。
I went to pieces during the exam.
To be shaken, agitated, or disturbed. More formal and less dramatic than 取り乱す.
彼はその質問に動揺した。
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.
仕事のストレスで精神的に参ってしまった。
I went to pieces from work stress.
Lit. 'heart breaks'. To lose spirit, give up mentally. Common in burnout contexts.
何度も失敗して心が折れた。
After failing so many times, I went to pieces.
To become neurotic, have a nervous breakdown. Slightly dated clinical term.
彼は過労でノイローゼになった。
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.
この靴はもうボロボロだ。
These shoes have gone to pieces.
彼は離婚してからボロボロになった。
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.
最近体にガタが来ている。
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.