Translation and Meaning of: 壊れる - kowareru

If you are learning Japanese, you may have come across the word 壊れる (こわれる - kowareru). It appears in everyday situations, from conversations to animes, and understanding its meaning and usage can be essential for anyone looking to master the language. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in Japan, and some curiosities that can help with memorization.

壊れる is a Japanese verb that carries a quite specific yet broad meaning. Its main definition is linked to the idea of "breaking" or "being damaged," but it can also express failures in systems, relationships, or even emotional states. Let's delve into the details of this word, from its kanji writing to practical usage examples.

Meaning and use of 壊れる

壊れる is an intransitive verb that means "to break," "to be damaged," or "to get ruined." Unlike the transitive verb 壊す (こわす - kowasu), which requires an agent (someone who breaks something), 壊れる describes an action that happens naturally or without a direct agent. For example, if a cup falls and breaks by itself, we use 壊れる.

In addition to its physical meaning, this word can also be used metaphorically. A relationship that ends can be described as 関係が壊れた (かんけいがこわれた - kankei ga kowareta). Similarly, machines and electronic devices that stop working can also "break" in the Japanese sense. This flexibility makes 壊れる a very useful word in daily vocabulary.

Origin and Writing of the Kanji 壊

The kanji 壊 (kowareru) is composed of the radical 土 (earth) and a phonetic part that suggests its reading. Historically, this character is connected to the idea of destruction or collapse, often related to physical structures. The presence of the radical 土 indicates that originally the word could have been associated with buildings that collapse or grounds that give way.

It is worth noting that 壊れる is not one of the simpler kanji, appearing less frequently than other basic verbs. However, it is essential for describing situations of damage or malfunction. Japanese students can benefit from associating the radical 土 (earth) with the idea of something that "collapses" or "falls apart."

Curiosities and tips for memorization

An effective way to the meaning of 壊れる is to think of everyday situations where objects break without direct intervention. For example, a vase that falls off the table or a toy that stops working after much use. Associating the word with these images can help to reinforce its meaning more easily.

In addition, 壊れる appears frequently in animes and dramas, especially in dramatic scenes where something important is lost or destroyed. Paying attention to these contexts can reinforce learning. Another tip is to practice with simple phrases like 時計が壊れた (とけいがこわれた - tokei ga kowareta) - "The clock broke."

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 壊れる

• 壊れる: Base dictionary form
• 壊れます: Polite form, present
• 壊れた: Past form
• 壊れるだろう: Conditional form
• 壊れています: Continuous form, present
• 壊れられる: Potential form
• 壊れさせる: Causative form
• 壊れさせられる: ive potential form

Synonyms and similar words

• 故障する (Koshou suru) - Defect, failure, breakdown of operation;
• 崩れる (Kuzureru) - Crumble, dismantle, collapse;
• 壊す (Kowasu) - Break, destroy or damage something;
• 破損する (Hason suru) - Physical damage, break or damage;
• 損傷する (Sonshou suru) - Damage, injury, especially in a physical aspect.