Translation guide
Describes something broken into fragments, torn apart, or divided into parts. Covers physical breakage, emotional devastation, and figurative disintegration.
Describe an object that has shattered, snapped, or broken into multiple pieces.
Adverb/noun meaning 'smashed to bits' or 'in tiny pieces'. Often used with に and verbs like 壊れる (break) or 砕ける (shatter).
The vase fell on the floor and broke into pieces.
Adverb/noun meaning 'in separate pieces' or 'scattered'. Used for things that come apart into distinct parts, not necessarily tiny fragments.
Adverb/noun meaning 'in a mess' or 'smashed up'. Can imply destruction or disorder. Casual.
Adverb meaning 'torn to shreds' or 'cut to pieces'. Often used for cloth, paper, or metaphorically for feelings.
Express that someone is emotionally devastated, heartbroken, or falling apart.
Literally 'heart breaks'. Means to be emotionally crushed or lose spirit. Common in modern Japanese.
Describe something that has been separated into sections, pieces, or installments.
Te-form of 分割する (divide). Used for splitting payments, tasks, data, etc. into parts.
Describe a plan, relationship, or system that is disintegrating or in chaos.
Do not directly translate 'in pieces' as 「ピースで」 or 「部分で」. These sound unnatural. Use the appropriate Japanese expression based on context.
粉々 implies tiny fragments like powder or shards. バラバラ implies separate, often larger pieces that can be reassembled. Use 粉々 for glass, ceramics; バラバラ for toys, furniture, or scattered items.
おもちゃがバラバラになった。
The toy came apart into pieces.
車が事故でめちゃめちゃになった。
The car was smashed to pieces in the accident.
手紙をずたずたに破った。
I tore the letter into pieces.
I was heartbroken when he dumped me.
Adverb meaning 'worn out' or 'falling apart', used for both physical and emotional states. Can describe crying uncontrollably.
She was crying her eyes out, completely falling apart.
Passive verb meaning 'to be knocked down' or 'devastated'. Stronger, more dramatic.
I was shattered by the news.
Please pay in installments.
To divide into small portions. Common for food, supplies, or tasks.
I divided the meat into pieces and froze them.
Adverb/noun meaning 'messy' or 'in shambles'. Used for plans, rooms, or situations.
The plan fell apart.
Verb meaning 'collapse' or 'crumble'. Formal, used for systems, organizations, or relationships.
Their relationship fell apart.