Translation guide
This guide covers how to express the concept of 'rupture' in Japanese, including physical tearing, medical conditions, and figurative breakdowns.
To describe something tearing, bursting, or breaking open, such as a pipe, balloon, or container.
The most common and general term for bursting or rupture, used for objects like balloons, tires, pipes, and blood vessels.
Means 'to tear' or 'to be torn', often used for paper, cloth, or membranes. Implies a hole or split rather than an explosion.
紙が破れた。
The paper tore.
タイヤが破れてパンクした。
The tire ruptured and went flat.
Means 'to split' or 'to tear apart', often along a seam or natural line. Used for fabric, skin, or the ground.
ズボンが裂けた。
My pants split.
地震で地面が裂けた。
The ground ruptured in the earthquake.
To describe a medical condition where an organ, blood vessel, or tissue tears or bursts.
The standard medical term for rupture of organs or vessels, such as aneurysm rupture or eardrum rupture.
動脈瘤が破裂した。
The aneurysm ruptured.
盲腸が破裂する前に手術が必要だ。
Surgery is needed before the appendix ruptures.
Refers to a tear or rupture of soft tissues like tendons or muscles. Common in sports medicine.
アキレス腱が断裂した。
My Achilles tendon ruptured.
Means 'perforation', used for a hole that forms in an organ, such as a perforated ulcer. More specific than general rupture.
To describe a relationship, negotiation, or system breaking down or collapsing.
Specifically used for breakdown of negotiations, talks, or relationships. Implies a complete and often irreparable split.
交渉は決裂した。
The negotiations broke down.
二人の関係は決裂した。
Their relationship ruptured.
Means 'bankruptcy' or 'collapse', used for systems, plans, or relationships that fail completely. Often implies financial or structural failure.
Means 'collapse' or 'breakdown', used for systems, societies, or relationships. Emphasizes a crumbling or falling apart.
破裂 (はれつ) is for bursting due to internal pressure (balloon, pipe). 破れる (やぶれる) is for tearing, often with a hole (paper, tire). 裂ける (さける) is for splitting along a line (fabric, skin).
破裂 is not used for relationship breakdowns. Use 決裂 (けつれつ) or 破綻 (はたん) instead. Saying 関係が破裂した sounds unnatural.
靭帯断裂と診断された。
I was diagnosed with a ligament rupture.
胃潰瘍が穿孔した。
The stomach ulcer perforated.
The plan fell apart.
彼らの結婚生活は破綻した。
Their marriage broke down.
信頼関係が崩壊した。
The trust between us ruptured.