If you’re learning Japanese, it’s important to know how to express different emotions and situations in the language. One word that can come in handy is “broken.” Whether you need to describe a broken object, a heart, or a promise, understanding how to say “broken” in Japanese can be useful.
In this guide, we’ll cover the Japanese word for “broken,” its pronunciation, translation, and how to express it in Japanese language. Additionally, we’ll provide some practical tips for using “broken” in Japanese conversation. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of how to effectively use “broken” in Japanese.
So, let’s get started on learning how to say broken in Japanese!
Understanding the Japanese Word for Broken
As you embark on your journey to learn Japanese, it’s essential to understand the language’s vocabulary and how words are formed. When it comes to the word “broken,” the Japanese language has a unique term that varies from the English language. In Japanese, the word for broken is “壊れた” (kowareta).
The Japanese word for broken consists of two kanji characters, “壊” and “れた.” The first character, “壊,” means “to break” or “to destroy.” The second character, “れた,” is a suffix that indicates the past tense. Therefore, when the two characters combine, the word “kowareta” means “it was broken.”
Understanding the Kanji Characters
| Kanji | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 壊 | kowasu | to break, to destroy |
| れた | reta | past tense suffix |
It’s worth noting that the Japanese language has several words that can translate to “broken” depending on the context. For instance, “壊れる” (kowareru) means “to break” or “to be broken,” while “折れた” (oreta) means “it was snapped” or “it was fractured.”
Using “Kowareta” in Context
When using the word “kowareta,” it’s crucial to place it correctly in a sentence’s context. Here are a few examples of how to use “kowareta” in Japanese:
- 皿が壊れた (Sara ga kowareta) – The plate was broken
- 私の手が壊れた (Watashi no te ga kowareta) – My hand was broken
- 彼女の心が壊れた (Kanojo no kokoro ga kowareta) – Her heart was broken
By understanding the word “kowareta,” its kanji characters, and how to use it in context, you can confidently express “broken” in Japanese.
Pronunciation and Translation of Broken in Japanese
Learning how to say broken in Japanese is essential for language learners who want to communicate effectively. The Japanese word for broken is 壊れた (kowareta), which is the past tense of the verb 壊す (kowasu) meaning “to break”.
To correctly pronounce “kowareta”, break it down into syllables: ko-wa-re-ta. The emphasis is on the second syllable, “wa”. The “o” sounds similar to the vowel sound in “so”, while the “e” sounds like the vowel sound in “met”. The “ta” sounds like the “ta” in “taco”.
In Japanese, there are several ways to translate broken depending on the context. Apart from the word “kowareta”, another common translation is 故障した (koshou shita), which means “malfunctioned” or “broke down”. For example, if your phone stopped working, you can say 携帯電話が故障しました (keitai denwa ga koshou shimashita) to express that it has broken down.
| Word/Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| 壊れた | broken |
| 故障した | malfunctioned |
| 破損した | damaged |
Using Different Forms of “Kowasu” to Indicate Brokenness
Apart from the past tense form “kowareta”, there are other forms of the verb “kowasu” that can indicate something is broken, such as “kowashita” (broke) and “kowaremasu” (will break). It’s important to learn these different forms to express brokenness in different situations.
When translating from English to Japanese, it’s important to note that the context determines the right translation. For example, “broken glass” translates to 割れたガラス (wareta garasu) rather than “kowareta garasu” as “kowareta” implies that an object has broken into pieces whereas “wareta” implies it has cracked.
In summary, to express broken in Japanese, it’s important to learn the Japanese word for broken, its pronunciation, and different forms of the verb “kowasu” that can indicate brokenness. By understanding these key factors, you’ll be able to communicate effectively in Japanese and express yourself clearly.
Expressing Broken in Japanese Language
Learning how to express broken in Japanese can broaden your vocabulary and enable you to communicate more effectively. The Japanese term for broken is 「壊れた」, which is pronounced as “kowareta.” To express broken in Japanese, you need to understand how to use this term in different contexts.
「壊れた」 is used to describe something that has been physically damaged or is not working correctly. For instance, if you want to say “my phone is broken,” you can say 「私の携帯が壊れた」(watashi no keitai ga kowareta). This phrase can be modified to describe other things such as a broken window, a broken pencil, or a broken computer.
However, it’s crucial to note that 「壊れた」 is not used to describe abstract things that cannot be physically broken. If you want to express that a person is brokenhearted, you cannot use 「壊れた」. Instead, you can use the phrase 「心が折れた」(kokoro ga oreta), which means that their heart is shattered or broken.
Using Adjectives to Describe Brokenness
Aside from using the term「壊れた」, there are other Japanese adjectives you can use to describe brokenness. One such term is「故障した」 (koshoubai shita), which means that something has malfunctioned or broken down. You can use this term to describe a broken-down car, a malfunctioning computer, or a broken watch, among other things.
Another adjective you can use is 「壊れかけた」 (kowarekaketa), which means that something is about to break. You can use this term to describe a device that is not yet entirely broken, but you sense it is about to break down soon.
There are also cases where you might want to express that something is partially broken, such as a chipped glass or a bent spoon. In such cases, you can use the Japanese term「欠けている」(kaketeiru), which means that something is missing a piece or is chipped. For example, you can say 「コップが欠けている」(koppu ga kaketeiru) to describe a chipped glass.
Practical Tips for Using Broken in Japanese
Now that you know how to say broken in Japanese and understand its meaning, it’s time to put it into practical use. Here are some tips to help you effectively use the word “broken” in Japanese:
1. Use the correct form of the verb
When using “broken” as a verb in a sentence, it is important to use the correct form of the Japanese verb. In Japanese, verbs change depending on the tense and formality of the sentence. For example, if you want to say “I broke my phone,” the correct phrase would be “Watashi wa sumaho o kowashimashita,” using the past tense of the verb “kowasu.”
2. Use adjectives to describe broken things
In Japanese, adjectives come before the noun they describe. To describe a broken object, you can use adjectives such as “kowareta” (こわれた) or “yabureta” (やぶれた). For example, “Kowareta terebi” would mean “broken television,” while “yabureta kagi” would mean “broken key.”
3. Use appropriate expressions in different situations
When expressing “broken” in Japanese, the tone and formality of the situation will determine the appropriate expression to use. In a casual conversation with friends, you can simply say “kowareta” or “yabureta.” However, in a formal or business setting, a more polite expression like “shitsurei desu ga, mono ga kowarete shimaimashita” (失礼ですが、物が壊れてしまいました) would be more appropriate.
By following these tips, you can effectively use the Japanese word for “broken” in various situations.
Now that you have a stronger understanding of how to use “broken” in Japanese, try practicing in conversations or with sentence examples. With time and practice, you will become more proficient in using the word in context.
Keep learning and exploring the Japanese language to expand your vocabulary and communication skills!
FAQ
Q: How do you say broken in Japanese?
A: The Japanese word for broken is “kowareta.”
Q: How is broken pronounced in Japanese?
A: The pronunciation of “kowareta” in Japanese is [ko-wa-re-ta].
Q: How do you translate broken to Japanese?
A: The translation of broken to Japanese is “kowareta.”
Q: How can I express broken in the Japanese language?
A: To express broken in Japanese, you can use the word “kowareta.”
Q: What is the Japanese term for broken?
A: The Japanese term for broken is “kowareta.”
Q: Are there any practical tips for using broken in Japanese?
A: When using the word “kowareta” in Japanese, it’s important to pay attention to the context and use appropriate grammar and sentence structures.