Translation guide
The English word 'smashing' can mean breaking something violently, being excellent, or hitting forcefully. This guide covers natural Japanese for each meaning.
To express the action of breaking something into pieces with force, like smashing a window or a plate.
The most common verb for breaking or smashing brittle objects like glass, plates, or eggs.
To express that something is wonderful, great, or excellent, as in British English 'smashing!'.
To describe a forceful impact, like a car smashing into a wall or a tennis smash.
English 'smashing' often implies violent destruction. In Japanese, 割る is neutral and can mean simply 'break'. Use 粉々にする or 叩き壊す for more violent nuance.
割る is for brittle things (glass, ceramics). 壊す (こわす) is for breaking functional objects (machines, toys) or demolishing structures. For 'smash a computer', use 壊す, not 割る.
パソコンを壊した。
I smashed the computer.
窓ガラスを割ってしまった。
I accidentally smashed the window.
お皿を落として割った。
I dropped and smashed the plate.
Means to smash something into tiny pieces or powder. More emphatic than 割る.
ハンマーで岩を粉々にした。
He smashed the rock into pieces with a hammer.
To smash by hitting repeatedly, often with a tool. Implies destructive intent.
怒ってドアを叩き壊した。
He got angry and smashed the door.
A rough, colloquial verb for smashing or wrecking something. Often used in casual or violent contexts.
壁をぶち壊せ！
Smash the wall!
The standard word for 'wonderful' or 'splendid'. Safe for most situations.
それは素晴らしいアイデアだ！
That's a smashing idea!
Means 'the best' or 'awesome'. Very common in casual speech.
このパーティー最高！
This party is smashing!
A versatile word meaning 'amazing' or 'great'. Can be used in many contexts.
すごいね！
Smashing!
Often used for something charming, lovely, or stylish. Slightly more refined.
素敵なドレスだね。
What a smashing dress!
To hit or smash something against a surface. Often used for waves or fists.
波が岩に打ち付けている。
The waves are smashing against the rocks.
Loanword used in sports like tennis or badminton for a smash shot.
彼は強烈なスマッシュを決めた。
He hit a powerful smash.