breakdown 30초 만에
- Break down means to simplify complex info.
- It also means a machine has stopped working.
- It can describe someone losing emotional control.
- In business, it's used for detailed data analysis.
The term break down (often written as 'breakdown' when used as a noun, but functioning as a phrasal verb here) is a multifaceted expression in English that primarily serves two distinct purposes: analytical deconstruction and mechanical or systemic failure. In its analytical sense, to break something down means to take a complex entity—be it a mathematical equation, a corporate budget, a scientific theory, or a large project—and divide it into smaller, more manageable, and more understandable components. This process is essential for clarity, allowing an individual to see the 'moving parts' of an idea rather than being overwhelmed by the whole. For instance, a teacher might break down a complex historical event into a timeline of specific causes and effects to help students grasp the narrative. In the mechanical or systemic sense, the term describes the cessation of function. This can apply to a car engine that stops working on the highway, a negotiation process that fails to reach an agreement, or even a person's emotional state when they can no longer cope with stress.
- Analytical Deconstruction
- The act of simplifying complex data into digestible segments for the purpose of study or explanation.
- Mechanical Failure
- The event where a machine, vehicle, or system stops functioning correctly due to a fault.
- Emotional Collapse
- A situation where a person loses control of their emotions, often resulting in crying or an inability to continue a task.
"The analyst had to break down the quarterly earnings report so the investors could see exactly where the losses were occurring."
"If we don't maintain the cooling system, the entire server rack will break down within hours."
Furthermore, the concept of breaking down is deeply rooted in the idea of entropy and organization. In chemistry, it refers to the decomposition of substances into their constituent elements. In social contexts, it refers to the dissolution of barriers—such as 'breaking down' social prejudices or communication walls between departments. The versatility of this phrase makes it a staple in both professional and casual English, bridging the gap between technical jargon and everyday observation. Whether you are dismantling a physical object or an abstract concept, you are performing a 'breakdown'.
"We need to break down these stereotypes if we want to build a truly inclusive community."
"The enzyme works to break down proteins into amino acids during digestion."
Using break down correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility as a phrasal verb. It can be separable or inseparable depending on the context, though it is most commonly used as a separable phrasal verb when dealing with analysis. For example, you can 'break down the costs' or 'break the costs down'. Both are grammatically correct, though placing the object in the middle often emphasizes the specific components being analyzed. However, when the object is a pronoun, it must go in the middle: 'I will break it down for you,' not 'I will break down it.'
- Transitive Use (Analysis)
- Subject + break + (object) + down. Example: 'The tutor broke the lesson down into five steps.'
- Intransitive Use (Failure)
- Subject + break down. Example: 'My old laptop finally broke down yesterday.'
In professional settings, 'break down' is frequently followed by the preposition 'into'. This specifies the units of the deconstruction. You might break a project down into phases, or a budget into line items. In contrast, when discussing mechanical failure, 'break down' is often followed by 'on'. For example, 'The car broke down on the motorway.' When discussing emotional states, it is often used alone: 'She broke down when she heard the news.' This variety of prepositions changes the flavor of the verb significantly, so paying attention to the surrounding words is key to mastering its use.
"Can you break down the total into monthly payments?"
"The negotiations broke down after three days of arguing over the contract terms."
You will encounter break down in a wide array of environments, from the boardroom to the garage. In a corporate or academic environment, it is the go-to phrase for explaining data. Analysts, managers, and teachers use it to signify that they are simplifying information. You might hear a manager say, 'Let's break down the sales figures by region,' which tells the team they are going to look at specific geographic data rather than just the total sum. In these contexts, it carries a connotation of clarity, organization, and intellectual rigor.
In the world of logistics and mechanics, the term is much more literal and usually negative. A truck driver might call their dispatcher to report a 'breakdown' (noun) or to say the vehicle 'broke down' (verb). Here, it implies a disruption of service and a need for repair. Similarly, in the realm of technology, developers talk about systems breaking down under high traffic loads. If a website crashes, a developer might investigate why the communication between the server and the database broke down.
- Media & News
- 'The peace talks have broken down, leading to renewed tensions in the region.'
- Sports Commentary
- 'The defense broke down in the final minutes, allowing the opposing team to score.'
"In tonight's segment, we break down the new tax laws and what they mean for your family."
"The relationship between the two partners broke down due to a lack of trust."
One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing the verb break down with the noun breakdown. Remember: 'I need to break down the data' (verb, two words) vs. 'I need a breakdown of the data' (noun, one word). Using the single-word form as a verb is a common spelling mistake in written English. Another common error is using 'break down' when 'break up' would be more appropriate. While both involve separation, 'break up' usually refers to ending a romantic relationship or dispersing a crowd, whereas 'break down' refers to mechanical failure or analytical deconstruction.
- Mistake: 'The car breakdown on the road.'
- Correction: 'The car broke down on the road.' (Use the verb form).
- Mistake: 'I will break down it for you.'
- Correction: 'I will break it down for you.' (Pronouns must come between 'break' and 'down').
Additionally, learners sometimes use 'break down' to mean 'destroy' in a physical sense, like 'breaking down a wall'. While this is technically correct, it's important to distinguish between 'breaking down' (systematic dismantling) and 'breaking' (simply damaging). If you 'break down' a door, you are likely a firefighter or police officer using a specific method to enter; if you just 'break' a door, you might have just smashed the handle. Precision in these contexts helps convey the intended intensity and method of the action.
"Don't say: 'The machine is break down.' Say: 'The machine has broken down.'"
Understanding the synonyms of break down helps in selecting the most precise word for a given situation. For the analytical sense, analyze is the most direct academic equivalent. Deconstruct is often used in literary or philosophical contexts to imply a deeper, more critical look at the underlying structures of a text or idea. Dissect is a vivid synonym borrowed from biology, suggesting a very careful, piece-by-piece examination. If you are talking about categorizing, classify or itemize might be better choices.
- Analyze
- To examine in detail to discover meaning or essential features.
- Fail
- To stop functioning (synonym for the mechanical sense).
- Collapse
- To fall down or give way, often used for buildings or emotional states.
- Simplify
- To make something easier to understand (the result of breaking it down).
For the failure sense, malfunction is a more formal, technical term often used in reports. Conk out is a very casual, British-influenced slang term for a machine suddenly stopping. Seize up is used specifically for engines or joints that stop moving because of friction or lack of oil. Choosing between these depends entirely on the register of your conversation—'break down' is the safest, most versatile middle-ground option that works in almost any scenario.
"Instead of just saying 'break down', you could say 'The engine malfunctioned due to overheating.'"
How Formal Is It?
난이도
알아야 할 문법
Phrasal verb separation
Transitive vs Intransitive verbs
Past participle as adjective
Noun vs Verb spelling
Prepositional usage
수준별 예문
The car broke down.
Le voiture est tombée en panne.
Past tense of break is broke.
Can you break down this word?
Peux-tu décomposer ce mot ?
Used as a request.
The toy broke down.
Le jouet s'est cassé.
Intransitive use.
My bike broke down.
Mon vélo est en panne.
Subject + broke down.
We break down the food.
Nous décomposons la nourriture.
Present simple.
The bus will break down.
Le bus va tomber en panne.
Future tense with will.
It broke down again.
C'est encore tombé en panne.
'It' is the subject.
Don't break down.
Ne craque pas.
Imperative negative.
The computer broke down yesterday.
L'ordinateur est tombé en panne hier.
Time marker 'yesterday' used.
Please break down the bill.
S'il vous plaît, détaillez l'addition.
Transitive use with 'the bill'.
She broke down and cried.
Elle a craqué et a pleuré.
Emotional context.
He broke the machine down.
Il a démonté la machine.
Separable phrasal verb.
Can you break it down for me?
Peux-tu me l'expliquer simplement ?
Pronoun 'it' in the middle.
The washing machine broke down.
La machine à laver est tombée en panne.
Common household context.
We need to break down the plan.
Nous devons détailler le plan.
Infinitive after 'need to'.
The elevator broke down.
L'ascenseur est tombé en panne.
Mechanical failure.
The project was broken down into tasks.
Le projet a été divisé en tâches.
Passive voice.
Sugar is broken down by the body.
Le sucre est décomposé par le corps.
Biological context.
Our car broke down on the highway.
Notre voiture est tombée en panne sur l'autoroute.
Prepositional phrase 'on the highway'.
Let's break down the costs for this trip.
Détaillons les coûts de ce voyage.
Suggestion with 'Let's'.
The communication broke down between them.
La communication s'est rompue entre eux.
Abstract failure.
He broke the box down for recycling.
Il a aplati le carton pour le recyclage.
Physical dismantling.
The system breaks down under pressure.
Le système lâche sous la pression.
General truth in present simple.
She is breaking down the data now.
Elle est en train d'analyser les données.
Present continuous.
The peace talks broke down after hours.
Les pourparlers de paix ont échoué après des heures.
Formal context.
We must break down social barriers.
Nous devons briser les barrières sociales.
Metaphorical use.
The analyst will break down the report.
L'analyste va détailler le rapport.
Professional register.
The protein breaks down into amino acids.
La protéine se décompose en acides aminés.
Scientific precision.
The machinery broke down due to age.
La machinerie est tombée en panne à cause de l'âge.
Cause indicated by 'due to'.
I'll break the instructions down for you.
Je vais vous détailler les instructions.
Separable use for clarity.
The relationship broke down irretrievably.
La relation s'est dégradée de façon irréversible.
Adverbial modification.
The budget needs to be broken down further.
Le budget doit être davantage détaillé.
Passive infinitive.
The theory can be broken down into three pillars.
La théorie peut être divisée en trois piliers.
Complex conceptual deconstruction.
A breakdown in negotiations is likely.
Une rupture des négociations est probable.
Noun form 'breakdown'.
The enzyme's role is to break down toxins.
Le rôle de l'enzyme est de décomposer les toxines.
Technical biological use.
He broke down the argument with logic.
Il a démonté l'argument avec logique.
Intellectual dismantling.
The social order began to break down.
L'ordre social a commencé à se désagréger.
Sociological context.
The data was broken down by demographics.
Les données ont été ventilées par démographie.
Statistical terminology.
She broke down under the cross-examination.
Elle a craqué pendant le contre-interrogatoire.
Legal/Emotional context.
The old traditions are breaking down.
Les vieilles traditions se perdent.
Cultural shift.
The intricate mechanism broke down unexpectedly.
Le mécanisme complexe est tombé en panne de manière inattendue.
High-level descriptive vocabulary.
We must break down the systemic injustices.
Nous devons démanteler les injustices systémiques.
Political/Sociological rhetoric.
The breakdown of the agreement was catastrophic.
La rupture de l'accord a été catastrophique.
Noun usage in formal context.
The text was broken down into its constituent parts.
Le texte a été décomposé en ses parties constitutives.
Literary analysis terminology.
The diplomatic rapport broke down entirely.
Le rapport diplomatique s'est totalement rompu.
Nuanced relationship failure.
He broke down the complex physics for laymen.
Il a vulgarisé la physique complexe pour les profanes.
Educational deconstruction.
The infrastructure is slowly breaking down.
L'infrastructure se dégrade lentement.
Large-scale systemic failure.
The narrative breaks down upon closer inspection.
Le récit s'effondre après un examen plus approfondi.
Critical analysis.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
자주 혼동되는 단어
Used for relationships or dispersing groups.
Used for entering a building or training shoes.
Used for escaping or starting suddenly (like a fire).
관용어 및 표현
혼동하기 쉬운
문장 패턴
사용법
Breakdown (one word) is the noun.
Can be 'break down the data' or 'break the data down'.
Use 'into' for parts, 'on' for locations.
- Writing 'breakdown' as a verb.
- Putting the pronoun after 'down' (e.g., 'break down it').
- Using 'break down' instead of 'break up' for a romantic split.
- Forgetting that 'broke' is the past tense.
- Using it to mean 'destroy' when 'smash' or 'break' is better.
팁
Separability
Remember to put pronouns like 'it' or 'them' in the middle: 'Break it down'.
Synonym Choice
Use 'deconstruct' for a more sophisticated academic tone.
Transitioning
Use 'Let's break this down' to start a detailed explanation.
Noun vs Verb
Check your spelling: 'breakdown' (n) vs 'break down' (v).
Mechanical
When a car breaks down, it usually implies it needs a mechanic.
Emotional
Be sensitive when using this for people; it implies a loss of control.
Data
Always break down your data by categories for better presentations.
Phonetics
The 'k' in 'break' and 'd' in 'down' are often linked in fast speech.
Metaphors
Use 'break down barriers' to talk about social progress.
CEFR B2
Expect to see this in reading passages about science or business.
암기하기
어원
Middle English 'breken' + 'down'
문화적 맥락
Used to describe emotional vulnerability.
Essential for explaining budgets.
Standard term for hardware failure.
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
대화 시작하기
"Can you break down the main points of the book?"
"Has your car ever broken down in a dangerous place?"
"How do you break down a big project to stay organized?"
"Why do you think the negotiations between the two countries broke down?"
"Can you break down the steps to making your favorite dish?"
일기 주제
Describe a time when something you owned broke down.
Break down your goals for the next five years into small steps.
Write about a complex topic you recently learned and break it down for a child.
How do you feel when you see someone break down emotionally?
Analyze a personal relationship that broke down and what you learned.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문As a verb, it is two words ('break down'). As a noun, it is one word ('breakdown').
Usually, you say 'The car broke down.' If you say 'I broke down the car,' it means you took it apart piece by piece.
It is a period of mental distress where a person cannot function normally.
It is neutral. It works in both casual and professional settings.
It is a theater term for when an actor speaks directly to the audience.
Yes, your body breaks down food during digestion.
'Analyze' is more formal; 'break down' is more common in speech.
'Can you break down the costs for me?'
The past tense is 'broke down'.
Yes, 'break down the walls' can be literal or metaphorical.
셀프 테스트 180 질문
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The term 'break down' is essential for both technical troubleshooting and effective communication, allowing you to describe mechanical failures and simplify complex ideas into manageable parts.
- Break down means to simplify complex info.
- It also means a machine has stopped working.
- It can describe someone losing emotional control.
- In business, it's used for detailed data analysis.
Separability
Remember to put pronouns like 'it' or 'them' in the middle: 'Break it down'.
Synonym Choice
Use 'deconstruct' for a more sophisticated academic tone.
Transitioning
Use 'Let's break this down' to start a detailed explanation.
Noun vs Verb
Check your spelling: 'breakdown' (n) vs 'break down' (v).
예시
My old car tends to break down whenever the weather gets too cold.
관련 콘텐츠
Actions 관련 단어
bites
B1그는 케이크를 몇 입 먹습니다.
trying
B2그 긴 대기 시간은 모든 승객들에게 매우 힘든 경험이었습니다.
appear
A1태양은 아침에 나타납니다.
decided
B1우리는 이번 여름에 제주도에 가기로 결정했다 (decided).
combined
B1그들의 결합된 노력으로 프로젝트가 성공적으로 끝났다.
finish
A1숙제를 끝냅니다.
compose
A1그녀는 중요한 발표를 하기 전에 마음을 가다듬어야 했습니다. 이 합금은 구리와 아연으로 구성되어 있습니다.
ted
C2풀을 말리다: 벤 풀을 말리기 위해 헤치거나 뒤집다. '농부는 건초를 말리기 위해 풀을 헤치고 있다.'
met
B1나는 어제 공원에서 친구를 만났다.
extend
B1'Extend'는 시간이나 공간을 더 길게 만드는 것을 의미합니다. 예를 들어 마감 기한을 연장하는 것입니다.
