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A2 verb 9 min de lecture

破壊する

hakai suru

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 破壊する en 30 secondes

Explication 破壊する in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn the word 'kowasu' for breaking things. 'Hakai suru' is a bit more advanced because it is a 'suru-verb' (a noun combined with the verb 'to do'). You might see this word in very simple manga or games. Think of it as 'Super Break.' At this stage, just remember that 'Hakai' means 'Destruction' and 'Hakai suru' means 'to destroy.' It is used for big things like buildings or the whole world in cartoons. You don't need to use it in your own speech yet, but you might recognize it when a 'bad guy' in a show says it. The grammar is easy: [Big Thing] を破壊する. For example: 'Robot wa machi o hakai suru' (The robot destroys the town). Just keep in mind that it is much stronger than 'kowasu.' If you break a pencil, don't use this word! It sounds like you used a bomb on the pencil.

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At the A2 level, you are starting to use more compound verbs like 'Hakai suru.' You should know that this word is formal and used for serious damage. In your studies, you might encounter it when reading about the environment (Nature destruction = Shizen hakai) or news about natural disasters like earthquakes. You should be able to conjugate it into the past tense: 'Hakai shimashita' (destroyed) or 'Hakai shita.' You should also understand the difference between 'Hakai suru' and 'Kowasu.' 'Kowasu' is for everyday life, like breaking a plate or a toy. 'Hakai suru' is for when something is completely ruined or demolished. For example, if a house is destroyed by a storm, 'Hakai suru' is appropriate. You can also start using it for digital things, like 'Data o hakai suru' (to destroy data), though this sounds quite intense. Remember the particle 'o' (を) is always used with this verb.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'Hakai suru' in both physical and abstract contexts. You will see it in news articles about urban development (demolishing old buildings) or social issues. You should also be aware of the passive form 'Hakai sareru' (to be destroyed), which is very common in reporting. For example: 'Sensou de machi ga hakai sareta' (The town was destroyed by war). At this level, you can also use it metaphorically. For instance, 'Shinrai o hakai suru' (to destroy trust). While 'Shinrai o sokonau' is also common, 'hakai' emphasizes that the trust is completely gone and cannot be fixed. You should also recognize related nouns like 'Hakaiteki' (destructive). If someone has a 'destructive personality,' you would say 'hakaiteki na seikaku.' This level requires you to distinguish between 'Hakai' and other synonyms like 'Yaburu' (for records/promises) or 'Dainashi' (for ruining plans).

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At the B2 level, you are expected to understand the nuance of 'Hakai suru' in professional and academic settings. It is frequently used in discussions about 'Creative Destruction' (Souzou-teki Hakai) in economics, where old industries are destroyed to make way for new ones. You should also be familiar with technical terms like 'Kankyou Hakai' (environmental destruction) and 'Seitaikei no Hakai' (destruction of the ecosystem). In literature or high-level journalism, 'Hakai' is used to describe the dismantling of systems, ideologies, or social orders. You should be able to use the word in formal writing, such as essays or reports, ensuring that the register is appropriate. For example, 'Kono seisaku wa keizai o hakai suru kanousei ga aru' (This policy has the potential to destroy the economy). You should also understand the difference between 'Hakai' (active destruction) and 'Houkai' (spontaneous collapse/disintegration), which is a common point of confusion in advanced exams.

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At the C1 level, your mastery of 'Hakai suru' should include its philosophical and highly specific technical applications. You will encounter it in legal texts regarding 'Shouko Hakai' (destruction of evidence) and the specific legal penalties associated with it. In the context of materials science or civil engineering, you'll study 'Hakai kigaku' (fracture mechanics) and 'Hakai shiken' (destructive testing). You should be able to nuance your speech by choosing 'Hakai' over more specific verbs like 'Metsubou' (downfall of a civilization) or 'Kaimetsu' (total annihilation/wiping out) based on the exact intent. For instance, 'Kaimetsu' implies that almost nothing remains of a group, while 'Hakai' focuses on the act of breaking the structure. You should also be able to use 'Hakai' in sophisticated metaphors, such as the destruction of traditional values or the dismantling of a logical argument during a debate. Your understanding should extend to how the word's gravity affects the tone of a whole piece of writing.

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like intuition for 'Hakai suru.' you understand that while the word is powerful, its impact can be modulated by surrounding grammar and vocabulary. You can distinguish between 'Hakai' and 'Fuuka' (weathering/fading away) when discussing the loss of historical memory or monuments. You are capable of interpreting the word in complex literary contexts where 'destruction' might be portrayed as a prerequisite for rebirth or as a purely nihilistic act. You understand the historical weight of the word in post-war Japanese literature, where the 'destruction' of the old imperial system was a central theme. In professional environments, you can use the term with precision in strategic planning, discussing 'market destruction' or 'disruptive innovation' (Hakaiteki inobeeshon) with a full grasp of the economic theories behind them. You can also identify and correct subtle misuses of the word in others' speech, recognizing when a more nuanced term like 'Shoumetsu' (extinction/disappearance) would be more accurate.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

破壊する en 30 secondes

Hakai suru means 'to destroy' or 'demolish.'
It is a formal, strong verb used for large-scale or total destruction.
It is a transitive suru-verb (Object + を + 破壊する).
Common in news, anime, and environmental discussions.

The Japanese verb 破壊する (はかいする - Hakai suru) is a powerful and formal term that translates to 'to destroy,' 'to demolish,' or 'to ruin.' It is composed of two kanji characters: 破 (ha), meaning 'to rend, rip, or break,' and 壊 (kai), meaning 'to demolish, break down, or crumble.' Together, they form a word that describes the act of rendering something completely non-functional or reducing a physical structure to rubble. Unlike the more common and everyday verb 壊す (kowasu), which can be used for small things like breaking a toy or a glass, 破壊する carries a much heavier weight and is typically reserved for large-scale destruction, systematic dismantling, or abstract ruin.

Physical Scale: Used for buildings, cities, or ecosystems being leveled by natural disasters, war, or heavy machinery.
Abstract Impact: Used for the destruction of peace, order, trust, or evidence in a legal or social context.
Grammatical Type: It is a transitive compound verb (Noun + する), meaning it always takes a direct object marked by the particle 'を'.

In a typical conversation, you might not use this word to describe accidentally dropping your phone; that would sound overly dramatic. However, if a software virus completely wiped your phone's internal system, or if a wrecking ball swung into a house, 破壊する becomes the appropriate choice. It is the language of news broadcasts, historical accounts, and science fiction narratives where planets are at stake.

地震が町全体を破壊する。(The earthquake destroyed the entire town.)

彼は証拠を完全に破壊した。(He completely destroyed the evidence.)

Culturally, the word appears frequently in Japanese media, particularly in the 'shonen' genre of anime and manga. Characters known as 'Gods of Destruction' (破壊神 - Hakaishin) utilize this word to emphasize their absolute power over existence. In these contexts, the word emphasizes the finality of the act—once something is 'hakai'ed, it often cannot be repaired. This sense of finality and total loss is what distinguishes it from its synonyms.

古い建物を重機で破壊する。(To demolish an old building with heavy machinery.)

環境を破壊する行為はやめるべきだ。(We should stop actions that destroy the environment.)

ミサイルが基地を破壊した。(The missile destroyed the base.)

Formal Usage: Hakai is used in political speeches regarding the 'destruction of democracy' or 'destruction of the economy.'
Scientific Usage: In physics or engineering, it refers to the structural failure of materials under stress (破壊試験 - destruction test).

Using 破壊する correctly requires an understanding of its transitive nature and its formal register. As a compound verb (Suru-verb), it follows the standard conjugation patterns of suru. You will almost always see the pattern: [Object] + を + 破壊する. Because the word implies a high degree of force or totality, the objects associated with it are usually substantial or significant.

Active Voice: The subject performs the destruction. Example: 犯人はドアを破壊した (The criminal destroyed the door).
Passive Voice: Used to focus on the victim or object. Example: 建物が爆弾で破壊された (The building was destroyed by a bomb).
Causative Voice: Making or letting someone destroy something. Example: 彼に古い壁を破壊させた (I made him destroy the old wall).

When discussing environmental issues, 環境破壊 (kankyou hakai) is a set noun phrase meaning 'environmental destruction.' In this case, the verb form 破壊する is used to describe the action of damaging nature beyond repair. Similarly, in technology, データ破壊 (de-ta hakai) refers to the intentional or accidental corruption of data files.

台風が多くの家を破壊しました。(The typhoon destroyed many houses.)

その計画は、平和を破壊する恐れがある。(That plan risks destroying the peace.)

In business or competitive settings, 破壊する can be used metaphorically. For instance, a 'disruptive technology' is often translated as 破壊的技術 (hakaiteki gijutsu). Here, it doesn't mean the technology physically smashes things, but rather that it 'destroys' the existing market status quo to create something new. This nuance of 'creative destruction' is common in modern Japanese economic discourse.

新しいアプリが既存の市場を破壊した。(The new app destroyed/disrupted the existing market.)

彼は怒りに任せて家具を破壊した。(Giving in to anger, he destroyed the furniture.)

With Adverbs: Often paired with 完全に (kanzen ni - completely) or 徹底的に (tetteiteki ni - thoroughly).
Negation: 破壊しない (do not destroy). Used in ethics: 自然を破壊しないようにしましょう (Let's try not to destroy nature).

You will encounter 破壊する in several specific contexts in Japan, ranging from serious news to entertainment. It is not a word you usually hear at the dinner table or while chatting with friends about daily mishaps. Instead, it belongs to the spheres of journalism, fiction, and specialized professional fields.

News & Journalism: Broadcasters use it to describe the aftermath of earthquakes, tsunamis, or military conflicts. You'll hear phrases like 'インフラが破壊された' (Infrastructure was destroyed).
Anime & Gaming: This is arguably where learners hear it most. Villains often shout about 'destroying the world' (世界を破壊する). Gaming mechanics might involve 'destructible environments' (破壊可能なオブジェクト).
Environmental Activism: Discussions about climate change frequently mention 'ecosystem destruction' (生態系の破壊).

In a work environment, you might hear it in the context of IT security. If a server is compromised and files are deleted, the IT manager might report that the 'system was destroyed' (システムが破壊された). It is also used in construction when talking about the controlled demolition of a structure to make way for a new one, though 解体 (kaitai - dismantling) is more common for standard construction work.

ニュース：巨大な津波が沿岸の町を破壊しました。(News: A massive tsunami destroyed the coastal town.)

アニメ：俺はこの腐った世界を破壊する！(Anime: I will destroy this rotten world!)

Another place you'll hear this is in legal dramas. Lawyers might argue about the 証拠破壊 (shouko hakai)—the destruction of evidence. This is a serious crime, and the gravity of the word 破壊 reflects the severity of the legal consequences. It implies an intentional, malicious act rather than a simple mistake.

映画：彼は秘密を守るためにハードディスクを破壊した。(Movie: He destroyed the hard drive to protect the secret.)

建設現場：安全のために、この古い塀を破壊する必要があります。(Construction site: For safety, we need to demolish this old wall.)

Documentary Voiceovers: '人類は自然を破壊し続けている' (Humanity continues to destroy nature).
Sports Commentary: Occasionally used when a team 'destroys' another's defense completely, though 'uchiyaburu' is more common.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is overusing 破壊する in daily situations. Because 'destroy' is a common English word, learners often default to its direct Japanese dictionary translation without realizing how 'heavy' the word sounds in Japanese. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

Mistake: Using it for small objects: Incorrect: ペンを破壊した (I destroyed the pen). Correct: ペンを壊した (I broke the pen). Unless you used a hammer to turn the pen into dust, use 'kowasu'.
Mistake: Using it for rules or promises: Incorrect: 規則を破壊する (Destroy the rules). Correct: 規則を破る (Yaburu - to break rules/promises).
Mistake: Confusing with Intransitive forms: Hakai suru is something YOU do. If something falls apart on its own, use '崩壊する' (houkai suru - to collapse).

Another nuance to master is the difference between 破壊 (hakai) and 全滅 (zenmetsu). While both involve destruction, zenmetsu specifically refers to the annihilation of a living group, like an army or a species. You 'hakai' a building, but you 'zenmetsu' an enemy squad. Using hakai for people sounds like you are treating them as inanimate objects, which can be particularly gruesome or weird.

❌ 卵を破壊してしまった。(I destroyed the egg - sounds like you used a bazooka.)

✅ 卵を割ってしまった。(I cracked/broke the egg.)

Lastly, be careful with the word 台無しにする (dainashi ni suru). If you 'destroy' someone's plans or 'destroy' a beautiful evening by being late, hakai suru is too physical. Dainashi ni suru is the correct phrase for 'spoiling' or 'ruining' an experience or abstract plan.

❌ 彼は私の誕生日を破壊した。(He destroyed my birthday - sounds like he blew up the party.)

✅ 彼は私の誕生日を台無しにした。(He ruined my birthday.)

Cultural Nuance: In Japan, using extreme words for minor things is often seen as childish or overly dramatic. Stick to 'kowasu' for daily life.

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for 'breaking' and 'destroying.' Choosing the right alternative to 破壊する depends on the object, the method of destruction, and the desired level of formality. Understanding these subtle differences will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise.

壊す (Kowasu): The standard, everyday word for breaking something. Used for toys, watches, relationships, or health (体をお壊す).
破る (Yaburu): Used for tearing paper, breaking promises, or breaking a record in sports. It implies a 'breach' or 'tear.'
台無しにする (Dainashi ni suru): To ruin or spoil something abstract, like an effort, a chance, or an atmosphere.
滅ぼす (Horobosu): To annihilate or cause the downfall of a nation, a civilization, or a race. Much more epic and historical than 'hakai'.

For specific types of physical destruction, you might use more descriptive verbs. If you are smashing something into pieces, 打ち砕く (uchikudaku) is very effective. If you are demolishing a building specifically to clear space, 取り壊す (torikowasu) is the professional term used in real estate and construction.

彼は敵の野望を打ち砕いた。(He smashed the enemy's ambitions.)

この古いアパートは来月取り壊される。(This old apartment will be demolished next month.)

In a digital context, you might hear 削除する (sakujo suru - to delete) or 消去する (shoukyo suru - to erase). While 'hakai' can be used for data, it sounds like the data was violently corrupted. If you just clicked 'delete' on a file, use sakujo.

不要なファイルを削除した。(I deleted unnecessary files.)

粉砕する (Funsai suru): To pulverize or crush into powder. Used for rocks, ice, or metaphorically for 'crushing' an opponent's argument.
荒らす (Arasu): To devastate or ransack. Used for a room being messed up by a burglar or a field being ruined by wild boars.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The kanji 壊 (kai) contains the 'earth' radical (土), suggesting the crumbling of walls or structures made of earth/clay.

Guide de prononciation

UK ha.ka.i.su.ɾɯ

US ha.ka.i.su.ɹu

Flat pitch accent (Heiban). All syllables are generally pronounced with the same level of stress.

Rime avec

Sakai (Border) Takai (Expensive) Wakayi (Young - archaic) Nikai (Second floor) Sekai (World) Kikai (Machine) Shikai (Field of vision) Gekai (Surgeon)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'ha' as 'ha' in 'hay'. It should be 'hah'.
Making the 'r' in 'ru' too heavy like an English 'r'.
Adding a stress on 'kai'. Japanese is pitch-accent based, not stress-based.
Confusing the 'i' sound with 'ai' as in 'eye'. It is 'ha-ka-i'.
Mumbling the 'su' sound. In some dialects, the 'u' is devoiced, but for learners, clear pronunciation is better.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Kanji are common but the second one (壊) is slightly complex.

Écriture 4/5

The kanji 壊 requires 16 strokes and correct balance.

Expression orale 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers.

Écoute 2/5

The word is phonetically distinct and easy to catch.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

壊す (Kowasu) 破る (Yaburu) 建物 (Tatemono) 自然 (Shizen) する (Suru)

Apprends ensuite

崩壊 (Houkai) 壊滅 (Kaimetsu) 復旧 (Fukkyuu - Recovery) 建設 (Kensetsu) 維持 (Iji - Maintenance)

Avancé

荒廃 (Kouhai - Devastation) 蹂躙 (Juurin - Trampling/Overrunning) 瓦解 (Gakai - Collapse/Falling apart)

Grammaire à connaître

Suru-Verbs (Noun + する)

破壊 (Noun) + する = To destroy.

Passive Voice (れる/られる)

破壊される (To be destroyed).

Volitional Form (しよう)

破壊しようとする (Try to destroy).

Causative Passive (せられる)

破壊させられる (To be made to destroy).

Nominalization with 'koto' or 'no'

破壊することは簡単だ (Destroying is easy).

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Exemples par niveau

怪獣がビルを破壊する。

The monster destroys the building.

Subject (Kaijuu) + Object (Biru) + を + Verb (Hakai suru).

ロボットがドアを破壊しました。

The robot destroyed the door.

Polite past tense: 破壊しました (Hakai shimashita).

おもちゃを破壊しないでください。

Please do not destroy the toy.

Negative request: ~ないでください.

彼は壁を破壊した。

He destroyed the wall.

Plain past tense: 破壊した (Hakai shita).

爆弾が家を破壊する。

A bomb destroys a house.

Simple present tense used for general facts or future.

車を破壊するのは悪いです。

Destroying a car is bad.

Nominalizing the verb: 破壊するのは (Destroying is...).

嵐が森を破壊しました。

The storm destroyed the forest.

Subject (Arashi) + Object (Mori) + を + 破壊しました.

だれがこれを破壊したのですか？

Who destroyed this?

Question form with 'n desu ka' for explanation.

古い家を破壊して、新しい家を建てます。

We will destroy the old house and build a new one.

Using the -te form to connect actions: 破壊して (Hakai shite).

環境を破壊してはいけません。

You must not destroy the environment.

Prohibition: ~てはいけません.

地震で多くの建物が破壊されました。

Many buildings were destroyed by the earthquake.

Passive voice: 破壊されました (Hakai saremashita).

強い風が看板を破壊した。

Strong winds destroyed the signboards.

Plain past tense: 破壊した.

コンピューターのウイルスがデータを破壊する。

Computer viruses destroy data.

Hakai suru used for digital objects.

彼は怒って、机を破壊しようとした。

He got angry and tried to destroy the desk.

Volitional form + とした (Tried to...).

この機械は岩を破壊するために使われます。

This machine is used to destroy rocks.

Purpose: ~ために (In order to).

戦争は平和を破壊します。

War destroys peace.

Abstract usage of Hakai suru.

ダムの建設が自然を破壊すると批判されている。

The construction of the dam is being criticized for destroying nature.

Quotative 'to' + passive 'hihan sarete iru'.

犯人は証拠を破壊しようとしましたが、失敗しました。

The criminal tried to destroy the evidence, but failed.

Volitional form (Hakai shiyou) + to shimashita (tried to).

一度破壊された信頼を取り戻すのは難しい。

It is difficult to regain trust once it has been destroyed.

Passive past participle modifying a noun: 破壊された信頼.

核兵器は地球を何度も破壊できる力を持っている。

Nuclear weapons have the power to destroy the Earth many times over.

Potential form: 破壊できる (Can destroy).

そのスキャンダルは彼の政治生命を完全に破壊した。

That scandal completely destroyed his political career.

Adverbial modification: 完全に (Kanzen ni).

古いシステムを破壊しなければ、新しい進歩はない。

Unless we destroy the old system, there will be no new progress.

Conditional: ~なければ (If not/unless).

台風によって通信網が破壊された。

The communication network was destroyed by the typhoon.

Cause/Means: ~によって (By/Due to).

不法投棄が海洋の生態系を破壊している。

Illegal dumping is destroying the marine ecosystem.

Continuous state: 破壊している (Is destroying).

シュンペーターは、資本主義の動力を「創造的破壊」と呼んだ。

Schumpeter called the engine of capitalism 'creative destruction.'

Noun phrase: 創造的破壊 (Souzouteki hakai).

この実験では、材料が破壊するまで圧力をかけ続けます。

In this experiment, pressure is applied continuously until the material breaks.

Limit: ~まで (Until).

森林破壊は地球温暖化の主要な原因の一つである。

Deforestation (forest destruction) is one of the primary causes of global warming.

Compound noun: 森林破壊 (Shinrin hakai).

テロリストは国の秩序を破壊することを目論んでいる。

The terrorists are aiming to destroy the order of the country.

Nominalized verb + を目論んでいる (Aiming/plotting to).

その薬はがん細胞を破壊する効果が期待されている。

The drug is expected to have the effect of destroying cancer cells.

Noun modification: 破壊する効果 (Effect that destroys).

歴史的な建造物を破壊することは、文化の否定に等しい。

Destroying historical buildings is equivalent to denying culture.

Comparison: ~に等しい (Equal to/Equivalent to).

サイバー攻撃により、政府のデータベースが破壊された。

Government databases were destroyed by a cyberattack.

Causal marker: ~により (Because of/Due to).

彼は自分の人生を自ら破壊してしまった。

He ended up destroying his own life by his own hand.

Regret/Completion: ~てしまった.

法廷で証拠を破壊した容疑で、彼は起訴された。

He was indicted on charges of destroying evidence in court.

Reason for charge: ~容疑で (On suspicion of).

既存の価値観を破壊することで、新しい芸術が生まれる。

By destroying existing values, new art is born.

Means/Method: ~ことで (By doing).

その条約の破棄は、国際秩序を破壊する行為とみなされる。

The cancellation of that treaty is regarded as an act that destroys international order.

Judgment: ~とみなされる (Is regarded as).

都市計画において、古い街並みを無計画に破壊してはならない。

In urban planning, one must not recklessly destroy old streetscapes.

Strong prohibition: ~てはならない.

このウィルスは免疫システムを破壊し、二次感染を引き起こす。

This virus destroys the immune system and causes secondary infections.

Stem form (Ren'youkei) used as a conjunction: 破壊し (hakai shi).

権力者はしばしば、反対派の団結を破壊しようと画策する。

Those in power often plot to destroy the unity of the opposition.

Adverb: しばしば (Often).

自己破壊的な行動は、深い心理的トラウマに起因することが多い。

Self-destructive behavior often stems from deep psychological trauma.

Adjectival noun: 自己破壊的な (Self-destructive).

重力波の観測は、既存の物理学の常識を破壊する可能性を秘めている。

Observation of gravitational waves holds the potential to destroy common sense in existing physics.

Possibility: 可能性を秘めている (Hides/holds the potential).

ニーチェの哲学は、キリスト教的道徳の基盤を根底から破壊した。

Nietzsche's philosophy destroyed the foundation of Christian morality from its roots.

Emphasis: 根底から (From the very foundation/roots).

核の冬は、人類文明そのものを破壊し尽くすだろう。

A nuclear winter would likely destroy human civilization itself completely.

Compound verb: 破壊し尽くす (Destroy completely/exhaustively).

市場の独占は、公正な競争原理を破壊する弊害をもたらす。

Market monopolies bring about the harmful effect of destroying the principles of fair competition.

Noun: 弊害 (Harmful effect/evil).

その独裁者は、自らの地位を守るために国家の法治を破壊した。

The dictator destroyed the rule of law in the nation to protect his own position.

Formal noun: 法治 (Rule of law).

言語の消失は、その民族が持つ独自の宇宙観を破壊することに他ならない。

The disappearance of a language is nothing other than the destruction of the ethnic group's unique worldview.

Strong assertion: ~に他ならない (Nothing other than).

カオス理論によれば、微小な変化がシステムの安定性を破壊しうる。

According to chaos theory, minute changes can destroy the stability of a system.

Potential: ~うる (Can/Is possible to).

彼は論理的な矛盾を指摘することで、相手の主張を徹底的に破壊した。

By pointing out logical contradictions, he thoroughly destroyed his opponent's argument.

Adverb: 徹底的に (Thoroughly/Drastically).

この建築物は、周囲の景観を破壊しないように設計されている。

This building is designed so as not to destroy the surrounding landscape.

Negative purpose: ~ないように (So as not to).

Collocations courantes

環境を破壊する

証拠を破壊する

建物を破壊する

平和を破壊する

信頼を破壊する

データを破壊する

細胞を破壊する

秩序を破壊する

夢を破壊する

組織を破壊する

Phrases Courantes

環境破壊

— Environmental destruction. A common term in news and education.

環境破壊を止めるために行動しましょう。

破壊力

— Destructive power. Used for weapons, sports, or impact.

彼のパンチにはすごい破壊力がある。

破壊的

— Destructive (adjective). Used for behavior or technology.

破壊的なイノベーションが市場を変える。

創造的破壊

— Creative destruction. An economic concept by Schumpeter.

IT革命は創造的破壊の一例だ。

自己破壊

— Self-destruction. Used for people or machines.

そのロボットは自己破壊モードに入った。

森林破壊

— Deforestation. Specifically the destruction of forests.

森林破壊が野生動物の住処を奪っている。

大量破壊兵器

— Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).

大量破壊兵器の使用は禁止されている。

破壊活動

— Subversive activities or acts of destruction.

テロリストによる破壊活動が懸念されている。

破壊試験

— Destructive testing. Testing a material until it fails.

製品の強度を確認するために破壊試験を行う。

神経破壊

— Nerve destruction. Sometimes used in medical or slang contexts.

ストレスが自律神経を破壊する。

Souvent confondu avec

破壊する vs 壊す (Kowasu)

Kowasu is for everyday objects and health. Hakai is for big structures and total ruin.

破壊する vs 崩壊する (Houkai suru)

Houkai is intransitive (something collapses on its own). Hakai is transitive (someone destroys it).

破壊する vs 破る (Yaburu)

Yaburu is for paper, records, or promises. Hakai is for physical/structural destruction.

Expressions idiomatiques

"身を破壊する"

— To destroy one's health or life through bad habits.

深酒は身を破壊するもとだ。

Formal

"面目を破壊する"

— To completely lose face or destroy one's reputation.

大失敗をして面目を破壊した。

Literary

"均衡を破壊する"

— To break the balance or equilibrium.

新興勢力が市場の均衡を破壊した。

Academic

"沈黙を破壊する"

— To break the silence (usually with a loud noise or speech).

叫び声が夜の沈黙を破壊した。

Literary

"伝統を破壊する"

— To break with or destroy long-standing traditions.

新しい世代が古い伝統を破壊していく。

Neutral

"常識を破壊する"

— To shatter common sense or conventional wisdom.

彼の発明はこれまでの常識を破壊した。

Positive/Neutral

"生活を破壊する"

— To ruin someone's daily life (e.g., via debt or disaster).

ギャンブルが彼の生活を破壊した。

Neutral

"静寂を破壊する"

— To shatter the tranquility/quietness.

爆発音が森の静寂を破壊した。

Literary

"家庭を破壊する"

— To break up a family or home.

不倫が幸せな家庭を破壊した。

Neutral

"記録を破壊する"

— To smash a record (though 'yaburu' is more common, 'hakai' is more intense).

彼は世界記録を徹底的に破壊した。

Emphatic

Facile à confondre

破壊する vs 壊滅 (Kaimetsu)

Both mean destruction.

Kaimetsu implies a complete wiping out of a force or group (annihilation). Hakai focuses on the act of breaking the structure.

都市が破壊された (City was destroyed) vs 敵が壊滅した (Enemy was wiped out).

破壊する vs 解体 (Kaitai)

Both involve taking down buildings.

Kaitai is orderly dismantling (construction). Hakai is violent or total destruction.

ビルを解体する (Dismantle a building for renovation).

破壊する vs 全滅 (Zenmetsu)

Both mean 'gone.'

Zenmetsu is for living things/groups. Hakai is for objects/systems.

軍隊が全滅した (The army was annihilated).

破壊する vs 破砕 (Hasai)

Both mean breaking.

Hasai specifically means crushing into small pieces or fragments (like rocks).

岩石を破砕する (Crush rocks).

破壊する vs 滅ぼす (Horobosu)

Both mean destroy.

Horobosu is for nations, civilizations, or species. Hakai is more general.

人類を滅ぼす (Destroy humanity).

Structures de phrases

[Object] を破壊する

彼はドアを破壊した。

[Object] が [Cause] で破壊される

ビルが火事で破壊された。

[Object] を破壊しようとする

彼は証拠を破壊しようとした。

[Noun] 破壊 (Compound Noun)

環境破壊が問題だ。

破壊的な [Noun]

破壊的な力が加わる。

[Object] を破壊し尽くす

軍隊は町を破壊し尽くした。

[Object] を破壊する恐れがある

その計画は自然を破壊する恐れがある。

[Object] を根底から破壊する

新しい理論が常識を根底から破壊した。

Famille de mots

Noms

破壊 (Hakai - Destruction)

破壊者 (Hakaisha - Destroyer)

破壊力 (Hakairyoku - Destructive power)

Verbes

破壊する (Hakai suru - To destroy)

破壊される (Hakai sareru - To be destroyed)

Adjectifs

破壊的 (Hakaiteki - Destructive)

破壊不可能 (Hakai fukanou - Indestructible)

Apparenté

崩壊 (Houkai - Collapse)

壊す (Kowasu - Break)

破る (Yaburu - Tear/Break)

全滅 (Zenmetsu - Annihilation)

解体 (Kaitai - Dismantling)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in news/fiction; Low in casual daily conversation.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'Hakai' for breaking a promise. → 約束を破る (Yakusoku o yaburu).
Hakai is for physical or structural destruction, not social agreements.
Using 'Hakai' for a broken cup. → コップを壊す (Koppu o kowasu).
Hakai is too 'heavy' for a small kitchen item.
Confusing 'Hakai' with 'Houkai'. → 建物が破壊された (Someone destroyed it) vs 建物が崩壊した (It collapsed).
Hakai is transitive (active), Houkai is intransitive (passive/spontaneous).
Using 'Hakai' for 'ruining' a party. → パーティーを台無しにする (Dainashi ni suru).
Hakai implies physical demolition; dainashi implies spoiling the mood/plan.
Using 'Hakai' for people. → 敵を倒す (Taosu - defeat) or 全滅させる (Zenmetsu - annihilate).
Hakai for people sounds like you are treating them as inanimate objects.

Astuces

Don't Overuse

Stick to 'kowasu' for small things like toys, dishes, or gadgets. 'Hakai' is for big stuff.

Passive Form

Learn '破壊される' (to be destroyed) as it is very common in news reports about disasters.

Kanji Meaning

破 means 'tear/break' and 壊 means 'crumble.' Think of it as 'tearing something down until it crumbles.'

Compound Nouns

Learn it with 'Kankyou' (Environment) to talk about global issues: Kankyou Hakai.

Listen for the sound

Villains love this word. Hearing it in context helps you understand its dramatic weight.

Buildings

When a building is demolished by a wrecking ball, 'Hakai' or 'Torikowasu' are appropriate.

Abstract Concepts

You can use it for 'destroying peace' or 'destroying trust' to show total loss.

Data

If a virus wipes your hard drive, 'data o hakai suru' is a common way to describe it.

Pitch Accent

Keep it flat. Don't emphasize 'kai' too much.

Hammer and Kite

Imagine a **HA**mmer hitting a **KAI**te (kite) and destroying it. HA-KAI!

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine a **HA**mmer **KAI**-zoning (breaking) a whole building. HA-KAI!

Association visuelle

Visualize a wrecking ball hitting a skyscraper. The impact sound is 'HA!' and the dust cloud is 'KAI!'

Word Web

Earthquake War Environment Building Data Evidence Peace Trust

Défi

Try to find three things in a news article that could be '破壊する' (destroyed) rather than just '壊す' (broken).

Origine du mot

The word is a Sino-Japanese compound (Kango). It entered the Japanese language via Chinese characters and Buddhist texts.

Sens originel : To break and crumble. 破 (break) + 壊 (crumble/demolish).

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Contexte culturel

Be careful using this word when talking about people's property or health; it can sound overly harsh or insensitive unless describing a major disaster.

English speakers often use 'destroy' for both small and large things. In Japanese, you must be more selective.

Beerus (Hakaishin) from Dragon Ball Super. The novel 'Hakai' (The Broken Commandment) by Shimazaki Toson. Godzilla movies often use the term for city-level damage.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

News / Disasters

津波が町を破壊した
インフラの破壊
甚大な破壊
破壊的な被害

Environment

環境破壊を防ぐ
生態系の破壊
オゾン層の破壊
自然を破壊する

Technology / IT

データ破壊ウイルス
ハードディスクの破壊
システムを破壊する
破壊的なバグ

Anime / Fiction

世界を破壊する
破壊神の降臨
破壊光線
すべてを破壊する

Legal / Crime

証拠破壊の罪
器物損壊 (related legal term)
建物を破壊する
組織的な破壊

Amorces de conversation

"環境破壊についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about environmental destruction?)"

"最近、ニュースで破壊された建物の映像を見ましたか？ (Did you see the footage of the destroyed buildings on the news lately?)"

"もし世界を破壊する力があったら、どうしますか？ (If you had the power to destroy the world, what would you do?)"

"古い伝統を破壊して新しい文化を作るべきだと思いますか？ (Do you think we should destroy old traditions to create new culture?)"

"データの破壊を防ぐために、どんなバックアップをしていますか？ (What kind of backups do you do to prevent data destruction?)"

Sujets d'écriture

自分の人生で「破壊して新しく作り直したい」と思う習慣はありますか？ (Is there a habit in your life you want to destroy and rebuild?)

環境破壊を止めるために、私たちが今日からできることを書きなさい。 (Write about what we can do from today to stop environmental destruction.)

「創造的破壊」という言葉について、あなたの意見を書きなさい。 (Write your opinion on the term 'creative destruction.')

戦争によって街が破壊されることの悲劇について考えをまとめなさい。 (Summarize your thoughts on the tragedy of cities being destroyed by war.)

信頼を破壊するのは一瞬ですが、築くのは一生かかります。これについてどう思いますか？ (Destroying trust takes a second, but building it takes a lifetime. What do you think about this?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Not usually. For a broken heart, use '心が折れる' (heart breaks/gives up) or '失恋する' (lose love). '破壊する' would sound like someone physically attacked your heart.

It is both. '破壊' is the noun (destruction). Adding 'する' makes it the verb (to destroy).

Yes, 'Hakai' is the specific technique used by Gods of Destruction (Hakaishin) to disintegrate objects or people.

'損壊' (sonkai) is a more formal legal/technical term for damage or injury to property, often used in insurance or law.

You say '自爆する' (jibaku suru - to blow oneself up) or '自己破壊する' (jiko hakai suru - to self-destruct).

Yes, in the context of 'Creative Destruction' (創造的破壊), where destroying the old is necessary to build the new.

Yes, it is taught in elementary school (破) and junior high (壊) and is very common in reading materials.

No, use '破る' (yaburu) for rules, laws, or promises.

It means 'Environmental Destruction,' a very common phrase in Japanese news and social studies.

It is transitive. It needs an object (e.g., I destroyed *the building*).

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