In 15 Seconds
- Surpassing a previous best achievement or statistical high point.
- Commonly used in sports, business, and personal goal tracking.
- Uses the verb 'yaburu' which implies smashing or tearing through.
Meaning
This phrase is used when someone achieves something better, faster, or greater than the previous best. It is just like 'breaking a record' in English, whether it's in sports, business, or your personal life.
Key Examples
3 of 6Watching a track and field event
ついに、彼が世界記録を破りました！
Finally, he broke the world record!
In a corporate sales meeting
今期は、過去最高の売上記録を破る勢いです。
This term, we have the momentum to break our all-time sales record.
Texting a friend about a video game
昨日、ついに兄ちゃんのハイスコア記録を破ったよ！
I finally broke my big brother's high score record yesterday!
Cultural Background
The 'Guinness World Records' are extremely popular in Japan. Many small towns attempt records for 'the most people eating noodles at once' to promote local tourism. In Japanese companies, breaking a record is often celebrated with a 'nomikai' (drinking party) or a special commendation from the CEO. High school baseball (Koshien) is a major source of record-breaking news in Japan, often creating national heroes overnight. Japanese YouTubers often use '{記録|きろく}を{破|やぶ}る' in clickbait titles for challenges, such as eating massive amounts of food.
Use with 'Tsui-ni'
Pairing this with '{ついに|tsuini}' (finally) adds a great sense of drama and accomplishment.
Not for physical objects
Remember, if you break a plate, use 'waru', not 'yaburu'!
In 15 Seconds
- Surpassing a previous best achievement or statistical high point.
- Commonly used in sports, business, and personal goal tracking.
- Uses the verb 'yaburu' which implies smashing or tearing through.
What It Means
At its core, 記録を破る (kiroku o yaburu) is about surpassing a limit. The word 記録 means 'record' or 'document.' The verb 破る usually means 'to tear' (like paper) or 'to break' (like a rule). When you combine them, you aren't literally shredding paper. You are smashing an existing achievement to set a new high bar. It feels energetic and decisive.
How To Use It
You use this phrase just like a normal verb. If you want to say 'I broke a record,' you say 記録を破りました. It fits perfectly after a noun describing the type of record. For example, 世界記録 (world record) or 自己記録 (personal record). It’s a very versatile 'verb + object' combo. You can use it for others or yourself.
When To Use It
This is your go-to for high-stakes moments. Use it during the Olympics or a local marathon. It works wonders in the office when sales are booming. You can even use it playfully with friends. Maybe you ate ten bowls of ramen? That's a record worth 'breaking.' It adds a sense of drama and accomplishment to the conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Be careful with the verb 破る. While it means 'break,' you can't use it for physical objects. Don't use it for a broken phone or a window. For those, use 壊す (kowasu). Also, don't confuse it with 約束を破る (breaking a promise). While the verb is the same, the vibe is totally different. One is a triumph; the other is a social disaster.
Cultural Background
Japan has a deep obsession with 'firsts' and 'bests.' From the meticulous stats of High School Baseball (Koshien) to the Guinness World Record attempts in small towns. The concept of 記録 is tied to the idea of 努力 (doryoku) or hard work. Breaking a record isn't just about the result. It’s seen as the ultimate reward for years of silent discipline.
Common Variations
You will often hear 記録を更新する (kiroku o koushin suru). This means 'to update a record.' It sounds a bit more professional and formal than 破る. If you want to sound like a sports commentator, 更新 is your friend. If you want to sound like you just did something legendary, stick with 破る.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and can be used in almost any social situation. However, in extremely formal writing or journalism, the verb `更新する` (koushin suru) is often preferred over `破る`.
Use with 'Tsui-ni'
Pairing this with '{ついに|tsuini}' (finally) adds a great sense of drama and accomplishment.
Not for physical objects
Remember, if you break a plate, use 'waru', not 'yaburu'!
The Passive Voice
Use '{記録|きろく}が{破|やぶ}られた' when you want to sound like a news reporter focusing on the event.
Modesty
When you break your own record, it's polite to follow up with 'okage-sama de' (thanks to everyone) in a formal setting.
Examples
6ついに、彼が世界記録を破りました！
Finally, he broke the world record!
A classic use in a high-energy sports context.
今期は、過去最高の売上記録を破る勢いです。
This term, we have the momentum to break our all-time sales record.
Professional and motivating for a team setting.
昨日、ついに兄ちゃんのハイスコア記録を破ったよ！
I finally broke my big brother's high score record yesterday!
Casual and slightly competitive between friends or siblings.
今日は、自分の寿司を食べる記録を破るつもりだ。
Today, I intend to break my own record for eating sushi.
Using a serious phrase for a silly personal goal.
君なら、次の大会でその記録を破れるはずだ。
If it's you, you should be able to break that record at the next tournament.
Encouraging and supportive usage.
30年間、誰もこの記録を破ることができなかった。
For 30 years, no one was able to break this record.
Formal and slightly dramatic narrative style.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb.
{彼|かれ}はついに{世界記録|せかいきろく}を（ ）。
'{破|やぶ}る' is the correct collocation for records.
Which sentence is the most natural for a business report?
Choose the best sentence:
'{更新|こうしん}する' is the formal/professional version of 'breaking a record'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {昨日|きのう}のテスト、どうだった？ B: {最高点|さいこうてん}だったよ！{自分|じぶん}の（ ）を{破|やぶ}ったんだ。
The context of 'highest score' (saikouten) implies 'record' (kiroku).
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you say '{記録|きろく}を{破|やぶ}る'?
It is used for achievements and benchmarks.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Yaburu vs. Koushin
Practice Bank
4 exercises{彼|かれ}はついに{世界記録|せかいきろく}を（ ）。
'{破|やぶ}る' is the correct collocation for records.
Choose the best sentence:
'{更新|こうしん}する' is the formal/professional version of 'breaking a record'.
A: {昨日|きのう}のテスト、どうだった？ B: {最高点|さいこうてん}だったよ！{自分|じぶん}の（ ）を{破|やぶ}ったんだ。
The context of 'highest score' (saikouten) implies 'record' (kiroku).
When would you say '{記録|きろく}を{破|やぶ}る'?
It is used for achievements and benchmarks.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's acceptable, but '{記録|きろく}を{更新|こうしん}する' sounds more professional and is generally preferred in written applications.
No, for habits we use '{習慣|しゅうかん}を{断|た}つ' or '{習慣|しゅうかん}を{変|か}える'.
'{破|やぶ}る' is for the record itself, while '{抜|ぬ}く' is often used when you are overtaking another person's score or position.
Yes, but it sounds a bit ironic or very dramatic. '{更新|こうしん}する' is more neutral for negative statistics.
In casual speech, it's often dropped: '{記録|きろく}{破|やぶ}った！'
It is '{世界記録|せかいきろく}' (sekai kiroku).
Yes, '{相手|あいて}を{破|やぶ}る' means to defeat an opponent. This is why it's so common in sports.
Yes, '{沈黙|ちんもく}を{破|やぶ}る' is a common related idiom.
It is always '{を|o}' because you are the one performing the action on the record.
It is '{自己|じこ}ベスト' (jiko besuto) or '{自己新記録|じこしんきろく}' (jiko shin-kiroku).
Related Phrases
{記録|きろく}を{更新|こうしん}する
synonymTo update a record
{記録|きろく}を{塗|ぬ}り{替|か}える
similarTo rewrite a record
{新記録|しんきろく}を{樹立|じゅりつ}する
specialized formTo establish a new record
{記録|きろく}に{挑|いど}む
builds onTo challenge a record
{記録|きろく}が{止|と}まる
contrastA record (streak) stops
