noun
Architectural term for the triangular upper part of a wall at the end of a ridged roof. Common in traditional Japanese architecture.
寺院の破風には精巧な彫刻が施されている。
The temple's gable is adorned with elaborate carvings.
この建物の破風は入母屋造りの特徴をよく表している。
The gable of this building clearly shows the characteristics of the irimoya style.
The kanji 破 (break) and 風 (wind) are used phonetically or as ateji; the exact derivation is uncertain. The word is a native Japanese architectural term.