Translation and Meaning of: 破壊 - hakai

If you are studying Japanese or have curiosity about the language, you may have come across the word 破壊 (はかい - hakai). It appears in various contexts, from news to animes, and carries a strong meaning. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and some curiosities about its origin and writing. If you want to better understand 破壊 and how to memorize it, keep reading!

The meaning and use of 破壊 (はかい)

破壊 (はかい) means "destruction" or "demolition" in Japanese. It is a word that conveys the idea of something being broken, ruined, or undone, whether physically or metaphorically. For example, it can be used to describe the destruction of a building, but also the rupture of a relationship or system.

In daily life, 破壊 is not an extremely common word, but it frequently appears in news about natural disasters, accidents, or conflicts. It is also widely used in media like animes and mangas, especially in contexts of battles or apocalyptic scenarios. Its tone is more formal and impactful, being less used in casual conversations.

The origin and writing of 破壊

破壊 is composed of two kanji: 破 (は - ha), which means "to break" or "to rupture," and 壊 (かい - kai), which also carries the sense of "to destroy" or "to damage." Together, they reinforce the idea of intense destruction. This combination is an example of how Japanese uses kanji to create words with more specific meanings.

It is worth noting that 破 alone can appear in other words, such as 破れる (やぶれる - yabureru, "tear"), while 壊 is seen in like 壊れる (こわれる - kowareru, "break"). Understanding these radicals helps to memorize the meaning of 破壊 and other related words.

Tips for memorizing 破壊

An effective way to memorize 破壊 is to associate it with striking images or situations. For example, think of a building being demolished (破壊される - hakai sareru) or a villain who wants to "destroy the world" (世界を破壊する - sekai o hakai suru). Visual and dramatic contexts help imprint the word.

Another tip is to practice with simple phrases, like "その地震は町を破壊した" (sono jishin wa machi o hakai shita - "that earthquake destroyed the city"). Repeating the term in different contexts reinforces its meaning and correct use. If you enjoy animes, pay attention when 破壊 appears in dialogues – this also helps with memorization.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 破滅 (hametsu) - Total destruction, ruin.
• 壊滅 (kaimetsu) - Complete destruction, often used in the context of disasters.
• 破裂 (haretsu) - Break or burst, usually in reference to objects that break.
• 破綻 (hatan) - Bankruptcy or collapse, often used in financial contexts.
• 崩壊 (hōkai) - Collapse or failure, usually referring to structures or systems.