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心が折れる (こころがおれる) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, ichidan verb
lose heart ; lose motivation ; become discouraged
Describes a moment when one's spirit or willpower breaks, often after repeated failure or harsh criticism. The image is of the heart 'snapping' like a stick.
厳きび
しく
言い
わ
れ
て
、
すっかり
心こころ
が
折お
れ
て
しまっ
た
。
After my boss scolded me harshly, I completely lost my motivation.
Similar words 挫くじ ける 挫ける also means to lose heart or be discouraged, but it is a single verb, while 心が折れる is a more vivid, metaphorical expression focusing on the breaking of one's spirit.
落お ち 込こ む 落ち込む means to feel depressed or down, but it does not necessarily imply a sudden loss of motivation or willpower like 心が折れる does.
Etymology A metaphorical expression combining 心 (heart, spirit) and 折れる (to snap, break). The image is of one's spirit breaking like a twig. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is a common modern idiom.
