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 pipe ruptured.
The balloon burst.
Means 'to tear' or 'to be torn', often used for paper, cloth, or membranes. Implies a hole or split rather than an explosion.
The paper tore.
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.
My pants split.
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.
The aneurysm ruptured.
Refers to a tear or rupture of soft tissues like tendons or muscles. Common in sports medicine.
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.
The negotiations broke down.
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.
Surgery is needed before the appendix ruptures.
アキレス腱が断裂した。
My Achilles tendon ruptured.
I was diagnosed with a ligament rupture.
胃潰瘍が穿孔した。
The stomach ulcer perforated.
Their relationship ruptured.
その計画は破綻した。
The plan fell apart.
Their marriage broke down.
信頼関係が崩壊した。
The trust between us ruptured.