崩れる in 30 Seconds
- 崩れる (kuzureru) means to collapse, crumble, or fall apart.
- Used for physical things (buildings, mountains) and abstract things (plans, emotions).
- Intransitive verb: describes something that collapses on its own.
- Common in news, disaster reports, and discussions of instability.
The Japanese verb 崩れる (kuzureru) describes the action of something falling apart, collapsing, or crumbling. It's used for a wide range of situations, from physical structures like buildings and mountains to abstract concepts like plans, emotions, or even the weather.
- Literal Meaning
- When something physically breaks down and falls into pieces, losing its original form or structure.
- Figurative Meaning
- When something abstract, like a plan, an order, or a person's composure, breaks down or becomes disorganized.
The old bridge began to 崩れる after the heavy rain. (古い橋は豪雨の後、崩れ始めた。)
His carefully constructed plan started to 崩れる when unexpected problems arose. (予期せぬ問題が発生し、彼の慎重に練られた計画は崩れ始めた。)
- Physical Collapse
- This is the most direct meaning. Think of buildings, walls, mountainsides, or even sandcastles that lose their integrity and fall apart. Earthquakes, heavy rain, or general decay can cause such collapses. For example, a landslide is a form of 崩れる.
- Breakdown of Order or Structure
- This extends to situations where an organized system or arrangement falls into disarray. This could be a queue of people that becomes chaotic, a meticulously arranged display that gets messed up, or even the weather changing drastically from good to bad.
The traffic jam caused the orderly flow of cars to 崩れる. (渋滞で車の流れが崩れた。)
- Emotional or Mental State
- People can also describe their emotional state as 'collapsing' when they are overwhelmed by sadness, stress, or shock. It implies a loss of composure or mental stability. You might hear someone say their heart 'collapsed' from grief.
After hearing the bad news, her composure began to 崩れる. (悪い知らせを聞いて、彼女の平静さが崩れ始めた。)
- Plans and Hopes
- Similarly, abstract plans, dreams, or hopes can also 'collapse' if they are thwarted or fail to materialize. This suggests a complete breakdown of what was envisioned.
All their wedding plans 崩れ when the venue was suddenly closed. (会場が突然閉鎖されたとき、彼らの結婚式の計画はすべて崩れた。)
- Weather
- It can also describe a sudden and drastic change in weather, especially from good to bad. For instance, a sunny day might 'collapse' into a thunderstorm.
The clear sky suddenly 崩れ into a storm. (晴れた空が突然嵐に崩れた。)
Understanding the grammar and common sentence structures for 崩れる (kuzureru) is key to using it effectively. It's an intransitive verb, meaning it doesn't take a direct object. Instead, it describes something that collapses on its own or due to external factors.
- Subject + 崩れる
- This is the most basic structure. The subject is what collapses.
The old wall 崩れた. (古い壁が崩れた。)
My plan 崩れてしまった. (私の計画は崩れてしまった。)
- Subject + が/は + Cause + で + 崩れる
- This structure indicates the cause of the collapse. The particle 'で' (de) often marks the cause.
The mountain collapsed due to the earthquake. (地震で山が崩れた。)
The company's finances collapsed due to poor management. (経営不振で会社の財政が崩れた。)
- Subject + は + Situation + のように + 崩れる
- This structure describes how something collapses, often comparing it to a certain situation or state.
His confidence collapsed like a sandcastle. (彼の自信は砂上の楼閣のように崩れた。)
- Subject + が + 崩れ + て + Verb
- This is used to describe a sequence of events where something collapses and then something else happens.
The building collapsed and then caught fire. (建物が崩れて火災になった。)
- Using the て-form (崩れて)
- The て-form, 崩れて (kuzurete), is often used to connect clauses or to describe a state resulting from a collapse.
The collapsed bridge is dangerous. (崩れた橋は危険だ。)
After the wall collapsed, they started rebuilding. (壁が崩れてから、彼らは再建を始めた。)
- Using the potential form (崩れられる)
- While less common, the potential form 崩れられる (kuzurerareru) could theoretically mean 'can collapse', but it's more natural to use other phrasing or rely on context.
- Using it with nouns
- You can also form nouns related to collapse, such as 崩壊 (hōkai), which means 'collapse' or 'ruin'. However, 崩れる is the verb form.
The collapse of the dam caused a disaster. (ダムの崩壊は災害を引き起こした。)
Mastering these patterns will allow you to express various scenarios of collapse and breakdown in Japanese.
You'll encounter 崩れる (kuzureru) in a variety of real-life situations, reflecting its broad meaning. Listening for it in different contexts will greatly enhance your understanding.
- News and Disaster Reports
- This is perhaps the most common place to hear 崩れる. News reports about earthquakes, landslides, building collapses, or severe weather events will frequently use this verb. For example, a report might state that a hillside 崩れた (kuzureta) due to heavy rain.
The news reported that the old castle walls had begun to 崩れる. (ニュースでは古い城壁が崩れ始めたと報じられた。)
- Discussions about Infrastructure and Construction
- When people talk about aging bridges, roads, or buildings, they might use 崩れる to express concerns about their stability or the possibility of them falling apart. Discussions about maintenance or potential hazards will involve this term.
They worry that the old dam might 崩れる during the next typhoon. (次の台風で古いダムが崩れるのではないかと心配している。)
- Conversations about Personal Well-being and Mental Health
- In more personal conversations, people might use 崩れる to describe a loss of composure, a breakdown under stress, or feeling overwhelmed. For example, someone might say, 'I felt my resolve 崩れていく' (kuzurete iku), meaning 'my resolve started to crumble'.
After the intense exam, his concentration 崩れた. (激しい試験の後、彼の集中力は崩れた。)
- Discussions about Plans and Projects
- When a plan or project goes awry, people might say it has 崩れ (kuzureta). This could be anything from a business deal falling through to a weekend trip being ruined by bad weather.
Our plans for the picnic 崩れてしまった due to the sudden downpour. (突然の土砂降りで、ピクニックの計画は崩れてしまった。)
- Everyday Observations
- You might even hear it in casual conversation. For instance, someone might complain about their carefully built sandcastle 崩れた (kuzureta) by the waves, or a stack of books that has 崩れ (kuzureta).
My carefully organized desk 崩れてしまいました. (きれいに整理した机が崩れてしまいました。)
- Weather Forecasts
- While less common than describing a storm, one might hear about atmospheric conditions 崩れる (kuzureru) if they become unstable or lead to sudden changes.
The stable weather pattern started to 崩れる. (安定していた天候パターンが崩れ始めた。)
By exposing yourself to Japanese through dramas, news, and conversations, you'll naturally become more familiar with how 崩れる is used in everyday life.
When learning 崩れる (kuzureru), learners sometimes make mistakes that stem from misunderstanding its nuances or confusing it with similar-sounding words. Being aware of these common pitfalls can help you use the word more accurately.
- Confusing with Transitive Verbs
- 崩れる (kuzureru) is an intransitive verb. This means it describes something that collapses on its own, not something that someone actively causes to collapse. Learners might mistakenly try to use it with a direct object, similar to how one might say 'to break something'. For example, saying 'I collapsed the wall' using 崩れる would be incorrect. For that, you would need a transitive verb like 壊す (kowasu - to break) or 倒す (taosu - to knock down).
Incorrect: 私は壁を崩した. (I collapsed the wall.)
Correct: 私は壁を壊した. (I broke the wall.)
Or, if the wall collapsed on its own: 壁が崩れた。(The wall collapsed.)
- Overusing it for minor damage
- 崩れる (kuzureru) implies a significant breakdown, crumbling, or collapse. It's not typically used for minor scratches, dents, or slight imperfections. For instance, a small chip in a plate wouldn't be described as 崩れる; you'd use words like 欠ける (kakeru - to chip) or 傷つく (kizutsuku - to get scratched).
Incorrect: このコップは少し崩れている。(This cup is a little collapsed.)
Correct: このコップは少し欠けている。(This cup is a little chipped.)
- Confusing Figurative and Literal Meanings
- While 崩れる is versatile, learners might sometimes apply the figurative meaning inappropriately or vice-versa. For example, using it for a very minor emotional upset might sound overly dramatic. Conversely, using it for a literal collapse when a more specific word exists might be less natural.
Slightly unnatural: 彼の気分が崩れた。(His mood collapsed - for a very minor reason.)
More natural: 彼の気分が沈んだ。(His mood sank.)
- Misunderstanding the Scope of Collapse
- 崩れる (kuzureru) implies a loss of form, structure, or stability. It's not just about falling over. A tall vase might fall over without necessarily 'collapsing' in the sense of breaking into pieces. If it shattered upon falling, then 崩れる might apply to the shattered pieces.
Incorrect: 花瓶が崩れた。(The vase collapsed - implies it broke apart.)
Correct: 花瓶が倒れた。(The vase fell over.)
If it broke: 花瓶が割れた。(The vase broke.) or 花瓶が崩壊した。(The vase collapsed/shattered.)
- Incorrectly using it for gradual decay
- While 崩れる can describe the result of decay, it often implies a more sudden event rather than a slow, gradual process of deterioration. For slow decay, words like 老朽化する (rōkyūkashuru - to age and deteriorate) or 劣化する (rekkashuru - to deteriorate) might be more appropriate.
Slightly unnatural for slow decay: 古い家が崩れていった。(The old house collapsed - implying a sudden event rather than slow decay.)
More natural for slow decay: 古い家は老朽化していた。(The old house was deteriorating from age.)
By paying attention to the nuances of intransitive verbs and the scope of 'collapse', you can avoid these common mistakes and use 崩れる more effectively.
While 崩れる (kuzureru) is a versatile verb, several other Japanese words can describe similar concepts of breaking, falling, or failing. Understanding their differences will help you choose the most precise word for any given situation.
- 壊れる (kowareru)
- 壊れる (kowareru) is the intransitive form of 壊す (kowasu), meaning 'to break' or 'to be broken'. It's generally used for objects that are damaged and no longer function properly, but they might still retain their shape to some extent. 崩れる implies a loss of structure and falling apart into pieces.
The television is broken. (テレビが壊れている。 - Terebi ga kowarete iru.)
The old building has collapsed. (古い建物が崩れた。 - Furui tatemono ga kuzureta.)
- 倒れる (taoreru)
- 倒れる (taoreru) means 'to fall over' or 'to collapse' in the sense of losing balance and falling to the ground. It's often used for standing objects like people, trees, or buildings that tip over. 崩れる is more about disintegrating or crumbling.
The tree fell over in the wind. (木が風で倒れた。 - Ki ga kaze de taoreta.)
The cliff face crumbled after the rain. (雨の後、崖が崩れた。 - Ame no ato, gake ga kuzureta.)
- 破れる (yabureru)
- 破れる (yabureru) means 'to tear' or 'to be ripped'. It's used for materials like paper, cloth, or balloons that are split open.
The paper tore. (紙が破れた。 - Kami ga yabureta.)
The sandcastle crumbled. (砂のお城が崩れた。 - Suna no oshiro ga kuzureta.)
- 崩壊 (hōkai)
- 崩壊 (hōkai) is a noun meaning 'collapse', 'ruin', or 'breakdown'. It's often used in more formal or technical contexts, such as structural collapse, societal collapse, or the collapse of an organism. It's the nominalized form of verbs related to collapsing.
The collapse of the dam was a major disaster. (ダムの崩壊は大きな災害だった。 - Damu no hōkai wa ōkina saigai datta.)
The building began to collapse. (建物が崩れ始めた。 - Tatemono ga kuzurehajimeta.)
- 失敗する (shippai suru)
- 失敗する (shippai suru) means 'to fail'. This is used for plans, endeavors, or efforts that do not succeed. While a plan can 'collapse' (崩れる), the core meaning of 失敗する is simply not achieving the desired outcome.
The experiment failed. (実験が失敗した。 - Jikken ga shippai shita.)
The plan collapsed. (計画が崩れた。 - Keikaku ga kuzureta.)
- 崩れる (kuzureru) vs. 崩壊 (hōkai)
- 崩れる (kuzureru) is the verb, describing the action of collapsing. 崩壊 (hōkai) is the noun, referring to the state or event of collapse. You can say 'the building collapsed' (建物が崩れた) or 'the collapse of the building' (建物の崩壊).
- 崩れる (kuzureru) vs. 乱れる (midareru)
- 乱れる (midareru) means 'to be disordered', 'to be messy', or 'to be chaotic'. It's used for things like hair, clothes, schedules, or social order that become disorganized. While a collapse can lead to disorder, 崩れる focuses on the physical or structural breakdown, whereas 乱れる focuses on the lack of order.
My hair became messy. (私の髪が乱れた。 - Watashi no kami ga midareta.)
The crowd became chaotic. (群衆が乱れた。 - Gunshū ga midareta.)
The structure collapsed. (構造が崩れた。 - Kōzō ga kuzureta.)
By understanding these distinctions, you can more precisely convey the specific type of breakdown or failure you wish to describe.
How Formal Is It?
"度重なる自然災害により、地域のインフラは崩壊寸前であった。"
"雨で壁が崩れた。"
"あー、もう全部崩れちゃったよ！"
"お城がばしゃーん！って崩れちゃった！"
Fun Fact
The kanji 崩 (hō) meaning 'collapse' or 'crumble' is composed of the radical '山' (yama - mountain) and '攵' (boku - strike/hit). This visually suggests a mountain being struck and falling apart. The verb form 崩れる retains this core imagery of something significant breaking down.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'z' as 's'.
- Not using a flap sound for 'r' in 're' and 'ru'.
- Incorrect stress placement.
Difficulty Rating
The word itself is relatively common, but understanding its figurative uses and nuances requires a good grasp of context. Texts discussing disasters, societal issues, or personal struggles will frequently employ it.
Using 崩れる accurately in writing, especially in its figurative senses, requires careful consideration of the context and the desired nuance. Distinguishing it from similar verbs is key.
Pronunciation is manageable, but spontaneous use in conversation, particularly in figurative contexts, can be challenging without sufficient practice and exposure.
Recognizing 崩れる in spoken Japanese is generally straightforward once familiar with the sound. However, interpreting its precise meaning in rapid speech or complex sentences may require attention to surrounding words and context.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Intransitive Verbs (自動詞 - jidōshi)
崩れる is an intransitive verb. This means the subject of the sentence is the one undergoing the action of collapsing, rather than an external agent causing it. For example, 'The wall collapsed' (壁が崩れた), not 'Someone collapsed the wall'.
The 〜て-form for connecting clauses or indicating cause/result
建物が崩れて火災になった。(The building collapsed and caught fire.) Here, 崩れて connects the two events.
The 〜てしまう (te shimau) auxiliary verb
計画は崩れてしまった。(The plan collapsed completely.) This adds a nuance of completion, finality, or regret.
The 〜かける (kakeru) auxiliary verb
建物は崩れかけている。(The building is starting to collapse.) This indicates the beginning of the action or a state of being close to collapse.
Nouns derived from verbs (e.g., 崩壊 - hōkai)
土砂崩れ (doshabuzure - landslide) is a compound noun formed using the concept of 崩れる.
Examples by Level
壁が崩れた。
The wall collapsed.
Simple past tense of 崩れる.
お城が崩れた。
The castle collapsed.
Subject + が + 崩れた.
雪が崩れた。
The snow collapsed.
Natural phenomenon collapse.
山が崩れた。
The mountain collapsed.
Large-scale physical collapse.
計画が崩れた。
The plan collapsed.
Figurative use for plans.
砂の山が崩れた。
The sand mountain collapsed.
Simple physical collapse.
橋が崩れた。
The bridge collapsed.
Infrastructure collapse.
氷が崩れた。
The ice collapsed.
Material breaking down.
雨で壁が崩れた。
The wall collapsed due to the rain.
Cause + で + Subject + が + 崩れた.
地震で建物が崩れた。
The building collapsed due to the earthquake.
Cause + で + Subject + が + 崩れた.
彼の計画は崩れてしまった。
His plan collapsed completely.
Use of 〜てしまう for completion/regret.
足場が崩れて危ない。
The scaffolding collapsed and it's dangerous.
〜て-form connecting clauses.
天気予報が崩れた。
The weather forecast collapsed.
Figurative use for weather patterns.
堤防が崩れて水が来た。
The embankment collapsed and water came.
Sequence of events using 〜て.
彼の顔色が崩れた。
His complexion collapsed.
Figurative use for physical appearance/health.
砂のお城が波で崩れた。
The sandcastle collapsed due to the waves.
Cause + で + Subject + が + 崩れた.
大雨の影響で、土砂崩れが発生した。
Due to the heavy rain, a landslide occurred.
Noun phrase '土砂崩れ' (landslide) derived from the verb.
長年の風雨にさらされ、古い建物は崩れかけていた。
Exposed to years of wind and rain, the old building was starting to collapse.
〜かけている (kake te iru) indicates the beginning of the action.
予期せぬ出来事で、彼の計画は完全に崩れてしまった。
Due to unexpected events, his plan completely collapsed.
Use of 〜てしまう for completeness and often regret.
彼女はショックで、平静な様子が崩れ始めた。
Due to the shock, her calm demeanor began to crumble.
Figurative use for emotional state.
このままでは、秩序が崩れる恐れがある。
If it continues like this, there is a risk that order will collapse.
Figurative use for social order.
長年の努力が、一瞬にして崩れてしまった。
Years of effort collapsed in an instant.
Emphasizing the suddenness of the collapse.
崖が崩れたため、登山道は通行止めになった。
Because the cliff collapsed, the mountain path was closed.
Using 〜ため (tame) to express reason.
彼の自信は、その一言で崩れてしまった。
His confidence crumbled with those words.
Figurative use for abstract concepts like confidence.
度重なる自然災害により、地域のインフラは崩壊寸前であった。
Due to repeated natural disasters, the region's infrastructure was on the verge of collapse.
Use of 崩壊寸前 (hōkai sunzen - on the verge of collapse).
経済の不安定化は、社会全体の構造を崩しかねない。
Economic instability could lead to the collapse of the entire social structure.
〜かねない (kanenai - could possibly) indicates a potential negative outcome.
彼の決意は固かったが、度重なる失敗で次第に崩れていった。
His determination was strong, but it gradually crumbled due to repeated failures.
次第に (shidai ni - gradually) describes the process of crumbling.
突然の悪天候で、我々の野外コンサートの計画は完全に崩壊した。
Due to the sudden bad weather, our outdoor concert plans completely collapsed.
Using 崩壊 (hōkai) as a noun for complete collapse.
長年築き上げてきた信頼関係が、一つのスキャンダルで崩れてしまった。
The trust relationship built over many years collapsed due to one scandal.
Figurative use for relationships and trust.
地盤沈下により、建物の基礎が崩れ、傾き始めた。
Due to ground subsidence, the building's foundation collapsed, and it began to tilt.
Describing the specific part that collapsed (foundation).
彼の冷静な態度は、予期せぬ質問によって徐々に崩れていった。
His calm demeanor gradually broke down due to the unexpected question.
徐々に (jojo ni - gradually) describes the process.
このままでは、経済システムそのものが崩壊しかねない。
If it continues like this, the economic system itself could collapse.
Focus on the systemic collapse.
度重なる不祥事により、政党の求心力は著しく崩壊しつつあった。
Due to repeated scandals, the political party's centripetal force was significantly collapsing.
著しく (ichijirushiku - significantly) and 〜つつあった (tsutsu atta - was in the process of).
長年研究してきた理論が、新たな発見によって根底から崩れる可能性が出てきた。
The theory that had been researched for many years now had the possibility of collapsing from its foundation due to new discoveries.
根底から (kontei kara - from the foundation) emphasizes a fundamental collapse.
彼の精神的な均衡は、度重なる裏切りによって脆くも崩れ去った。
His mental equilibrium was easily shattered by repeated betrayals.
脆くも (moroku mo - easily/fragilely) and 崩れ去った (kuzuresatta - collapsed and gone).
未曾有の経済危機は、既存の金融システムを崩壊の淵に追いやった。
The unprecedented economic crisis pushed the existing financial system to the brink of collapse.
未曾有の (mizō no - unprecedented) and 崩壊の淵 (hōkai no fuchi - brink of collapse).
その芸術作品は、観る者の内面世界を揺さぶり、既存の価値観を崩壊させる力を持っていた。
That work of art had the power to shake the viewer's inner world and collapse existing values.
Figurative collapse of values.
環境破壊が進むにつれて、生態系のバランスは静かに崩れ始めている。
As environmental destruction progresses, the balance of the ecosystem is quietly beginning to collapse.
静かに (shizuka ni - quietly) and 〜始めている (hajimete iru - beginning to).
彼の完璧主義は、些細なミスによって容易に崩れる傾向があった。
His perfectionism tended to easily crumble due to minor mistakes.
容易に (yōi ni - easily) and 〜傾向があった (keikō ga atta - tended to).
社会の安定は、人々の信頼関係が崩れることによって容易に損なわれる。
Social stability is easily undermined by the collapse of people's trust relationships.
損なわれる (sokonawareru - to be undermined/damaged).
長年の権力闘争の末、帝国は内部から崩壊し、歴史の闇に消えた。
After years of power struggles, the empire collapsed from within and vanished into the darkness of history.
Emphasis on internal collapse leading to oblivion.
彼の叙情的な詩は、読者の理性的な思考を巧みに崩壊させ、感情の奔流へと誘う。
His lyrical poetry skillfully collapses the reader's rational thought, inviting them into a torrent of emotion.
Figurative collapse of rational thought.
未曾有のパンデミックは、グローバル経済の脆弱な構造を露呈させ、その崩壊を加速させた。
The unprecedented pandemic exposed the fragile structure of the global economy and accelerated its collapse.
露呈させ (rozei sase - exposed) and 崩壊を加速させた (hōkai o kasoku saseta - accelerated the collapse).
その哲学者の思想は、既存の常識を根底から覆し、人々の認識を崩壊させるものであった。
The philosopher's ideas overturned existing common sense from its foundation, causing people's perceptions to collapse.
覆し (kōroshi - overturned) and 認識を崩壊させる (ninshiki o hōkai saseru - cause perception to collapse).
権威主義体制は、民衆の抵抗によって徐々に、しかし確実に崩壊へと向かっていった。
The authoritarian regime, through popular resistance, gradually but surely moved towards collapse.
Focus on the process of collapse driven by external forces.
彼の芸術は、伝統的な美の概念を解体し、新たな美的感覚を創造することで、既存の芸術観を崩壊させた。
His art dismantled traditional concepts of beauty, creating a new aesthetic sense and causing the collapse of existing artistic views.
解体し (kaitai shi - dismantled) and 崩壊させた (hōkai saseta - caused collapse).
環境破壊による生態系の崩壊は、人類文明の存続そのものを脅かしている。
The collapse of ecosystems due to environmental destruction threatens the very survival of human civilization.
存続そのもの (sonzoku sono mono - survival itself) and 脅かしている (obiyakashite iru - is threatening).
彼の言葉は、聴衆の心の壁を崩壊させ、深い共感を呼び起こした。
His words collapsed the walls in the audience's hearts, evoking deep empathy.
Figurative collapse of emotional barriers.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To have collapsed completely; to end up collapsing. It often implies a sense of finality or regret.
My carefully planned schedule completely collapsed. (私の綿密に計画したスケジュールは、完全に崩れてしまった。)
— To be on the verge of collapse; to be starting to collapse. It indicates that something is in a state of deterioration and might collapse soon.
The old bridge is starting to collapse. (古い橋は崩れかけている。)
— The cause of ~ collapsing. Used to discuss the reasons behind a collapse.
What was the cause of the building's collapse? (建物の崩れる原因は何だったのか？)
— On the verge of collapse. This is a noun phrase often used in formal contexts to describe a critical state.
The company was on the verge of collapse. (その会社は崩壊寸前だった。)
— Like it's about to collapse; as if it's collapsing. Used as an adjective to describe something that looks unstable or is in a state of disarray.
He had a collapsing-like expression. (彼は崩れるような表情をしていた。)
— The sound of collapsing. Describes the noise made when something falls apart.
We heard the sound of the wall collapsing. (壁が崩れる音が聞こえた。)
— A scene of collapse; a landscape of ruin. Describes a view that is in a state of disarray or destruction.
After the war, the landscape was one of collapse. (戦争の後、景色は崩れるようなものだった。)
— To the point of collapsing; so much that it collapses. Used to express an extreme degree.
He was so tired he looked like he would collapse. (彼は崩れるほどの疲労を見せていた。)
— Worry about collapsing. Expresses concern that something might collapse.
There is a worry that the old bridge might collapse. (古い橋が崩れる心配がある。)
— To prevent from collapsing. Describes actions taken to maintain stability.
They are trying to prevent the cliff from collapsing. (彼らは崖が崩れるのを防ごうとしている。)
Often Confused With
While both mean 'to break', 壊れる is typically for objects losing function (e.g., a broken phone), while 崩れる implies a physical disintegration or structural breakdown (e.g., a collapsing wall).
倒れる means 'to fall over' due to loss of balance (e.g., a person falling, a tree tipping). 崩れる is about crumbling or falling apart into pieces, not just losing uprightness.
破れる means 'to tear' (e.g., paper, fabric). 崩れる is about things breaking down structurally and falling apart, not being ripped open.
Idioms & Expressions
— A castle in the air; a baseless structure. This idiom describes something that is unstable and likely to collapse, often referring to plans, arguments, or situations built on weak foundations.
His business plan was a castle in the air and soon collapsed. (彼のビジネスプランは砂上の楼閣であり、すぐに崩れた。)
Formal— To fall apart; to disintegrate. This idiom specifically refers to the collapse of a structure, organization, or system, often implying internal weakness leading to its downfall. It's closely related to 崩壊.
The organization fell apart due to internal strife. (内部の争いにより、組織は瓦解した。)
Formal— A candle in the wind; precarious existence. This idiom describes something extremely unstable and likely to be extinguished or collapse easily, like a small flame in the wind.
Their small business was like a candle in the wind and soon collapsed. (彼らの小さなビジネスは風前の灯火のようで、すぐに崩れた。)
Formal— To spoil nine tenths of a task by a single mistake; to ruin all by one's last act. This idiom implies that a great effort can be undone or 'collapsed' by a final, critical error.
After all his hard work, his final mistake caused his entire project to collapse. (彼の長年の努力も、最後のミスで全てが崩れてしまった。)
Formal— To die a glorious death (in battle); to fight to the bitter end and be destroyed. While not a direct synonym for physical collapse, it implies a complete and often honorable destruction.
The soldiers chose glorious death over surrender. (兵士たちは、降伏する代わりに玉砕を選んだ。)
Formal/Military— To come to nothing; to be in vain; to vanish like bubbles. This idiom describes plans or efforts that end up being completely fruitless and disappearing without a trace, akin to a collapse of hope.
All his efforts came to nothing. (彼の努力は全て水泡に帰した。)
Formal— A boat made of mud; a doomed enterprise. This idiom refers to something destined to fail or collapse due to its inherent flaws.
Investing in that company was like getting into a mud boat; it was bound to collapse. (その会社への投資は泥舟に乗るようなもので、必ず崩れる運命だった。)
Formal— In dire financial straits; on the verge of bankruptcy. This idiom describes a situation where finances are so bad that the entity is close to collapse.
His finances are like a vehicle on fire; he's close to bankruptcy. (彼の財政状況は火の車で、崩壊寸前だ。)
Informal/Figurative— Stormy weather; a period of turmoil or upheaval. While not directly meaning collapse, it often precedes or accompanies major breakdowns or collapses in power structures or situations.
The country was in turmoil, and the government was on the verge of collapse. (国は風雲急を告げており、政府は崩壊寸前だった。)
Formal— The foundation shakes. This idiom refers to the fundamental basis or support of something becoming unstable, potentially leading to its collapse.
The evidence presented shook the foundation of his argument, making it likely to collapse. (提示された証拠は彼の議論の土台を揺るがし、崩れる可能性があった。)
FormalEasily Confused
Both verbs describe something breaking or ceasing to function properly.
壊れる (kowareru) refers to damage or malfunction, often affecting the usability of an object without necessarily causing it to lose its overall form. For example, a broken computer screen is 壊れている. 崩れる (kuzureru) implies a more significant structural failure, where something falls apart, disintegrates, or loses its shape entirely, like a collapsing building or a crumbling sandcastle.
The phone is broken. (スマホが壊れた。) vs. The old house collapsed. (古い家が崩れた。)
Both can describe something losing its upright position.
倒れる (taoreru) specifically means 'to fall over' or 'to tip over'. It's used for things that stand upright and then lose their balance, such as people, trees, or buildings that tip. 崩れる (kuzureru) describes a more fundamental breakdown of structure, where something crumbles, disintegrates, or falls apart into pieces, not just tips over. A building might 倒れる (fall over) and then 崩れる (crumble).
The person fell over. (人が倒れた。) vs. The cliff face crumbled. (崖が崩れた。)
Both describe a form of breaking or damage.
破れる (yabureru) means 'to tear' or 'to be ripped'. It's used for materials like paper, cloth, or balloons that split open. 崩れる (kuzureru) refers to a structural collapse or disintegration into pieces, often due to pressure, decay, or impact. You tear paper (紙を破る), but a sandcastle crumbles (砂のお城が崩れる).
The bag tore. (カバンが破れた。) vs. The sandcastle crumbled. (砂のお城が崩れた。)
It is the noun form related to the verb 崩れる.
崩れる (kuzureru) is the verb, meaning 'to collapse' or 'to crumble'. 崩壊 (hōkai) is the noun, meaning 'collapse', 'ruin', or 'breakdown'. You use 崩れる to describe the action (e.g., 'The building collapsed'), and 崩壊 to refer to the event or state (e.g., 'The collapse of the building was devastating').
The building collapsed. (建物が崩れた。) vs. The collapse of the building was devastating. (建物の崩壊は壊滅的だった。)
Both can describe a state of disorder or breakdown.
乱れる (midareru) means 'to become disordered', 'to be messy', or 'to be chaotic'. It's used for things like hair, schedules, or social order becoming disorganized. 崩れる (kuzureru) refers to a physical or structural breakdown, a loss of form or integrity. While a collapse can lead to disorder, 崩れる focuses on the act of falling apart, whereas 乱れる focuses on the resulting disarray.
My hair is messy. (髪が乱れている。) vs. The structure collapsed. (構造が崩れた。)
Sentence Patterns
Subject + が + 崩れた。
壁が崩れた。(Kabe ga kuzureta.) - The wall collapsed.
Cause + で + Subject + が + 崩れた。
雨で壁が崩れた。(Ame de kabe ga kuzureta.) - The wall collapsed due to the rain.
Subject + は + 〜て + しまった。
計画は崩れてしまった。(Keikaku wa kuzurete shimatta.) - The plan collapsed completely.
Subject + が + 崩れ + て + Verb.
建物が崩れて火災になった。(Tatemono ga kuzurete kasai ni natta.) - The building collapsed and caught fire.
Subject + は + 崩壊寸前だった。
インフラは崩壊寸前だった。(Infura wa hōkai sunzen datta.) - The infrastructure was on the verge of collapse.
Subject + は + 〜かねない。
経済が崩れかねない。(Keizai ga kuzurekane nai.) - The economy could collapse.
Subject + は + 著しく + 〜つつあった。
求心力は著しく崩壊しつつあった。(Kyūshinryoku wa ichijirushiku hōkai tsutsu atta.) - The centripetal force was significantly collapsing.
Subject + は + 〜によって + 崩壊した。
帝国は内部から崩壊した。(Teikoku wa naibu kara hōkai shita.) - The empire collapsed from within.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
High
-
Using 崩れる as a transitive verb (e.g., 'I collapsed the wall').
→
The wall collapsed. (壁が崩れた。)
崩れる is an intransitive verb. The subject undergoes the collapse. To express causing something to collapse, use transitive verbs like 壊す (kowasu - to break) or 倒す (taosu - to knock down).
-
Confusing 崩れる with 壊れる for minor damage.
→
The cup is chipped. (コップが欠けている。) vs. The building collapsed. (建物が崩れた。)
崩れる implies a significant structural breakdown or disintegration. For minor damage like chips or scratches, use verbs like 欠ける (kakeru) or 傷つく (kizutsuku).
-
Using 崩れる when 倒れる is more appropriate.
→
The tree fell over. (木が倒れた。) vs. The cliff crumbled. (崖が崩れた。)
倒れる means 'to fall over' due to loss of balance. 崩れる means 'to crumble' or 'fall apart into pieces'. A tree might 倒れる, but a cliff face 崩れる.
-
Applying figurative meanings inappropriately.
→
His confidence crumbled. (自信が崩れた。) vs. His mood sank slightly. (気分が少し沈んだ。)
While 崩れる can be figurative, using it for very minor emotional upsets might sound overly dramatic. For slight dips in mood, 沈む (shizumu - to sink) might be more natural.
-
Using 崩れる for slow, gradual decay.
→
The old house deteriorated over time. (古い家は時とともに老朽化した。) vs. The bridge collapsed suddenly. (橋が突然崩れた。)
崩れる often implies a more sudden event or a significant breakdown. For slow, gradual deterioration, verbs like 老朽化する (rōkyūkashuru - to age and deteriorate) or 劣化する (rekkashuru - to deteriorate) are often more fitting.
Tips
Master the 'R' Sound
The Japanese 'r' sound in 崩れる (kuzureru) is often a flap, similar to the 'tt' in American English 'butter'. Practice saying 'kuzu-re-ru' with this flap sound to make it sound more natural.
Context is King
Always consider the context when you encounter 崩れる. Is it a physical object like a building, a natural event like a landslide, or something abstract like a plan or emotion? This will help you understand the precise meaning.
Intransitive Nature
Remember that 崩れる is an intransitive verb. The subject is what collapses. You don't 'collapse something' with 崩れる; rather, 'something collapses'.
Learn Related Nouns
Familiarize yourself with related nouns like 崩壊 (hōkai - collapse) and 土砂崩れ (doshabuzure - landslide). This will deepen your understanding of the concept.
Sentence Building
Try creating your own sentences using 崩れる in different contexts – literal and figurative. This active practice will solidify your understanding and recall.
Listen to News Reports
News reports about natural disasters or social issues often use 崩れる. Listening to these will expose you to its natural usage and pronunciation.
Distinguish from Similar Verbs
Be aware of the differences between 崩れる, 壊れる (kowareru - to break), and 倒れる (taoreru - to fall over). Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate communication.
Visual Association
Create a mental image for 崩れる. Imagine a sandcastle being washed away by waves, or a tall stack of blocks toppling over. Visual cues can aid memory.
Cultural Nuances
Consider how the concept of impermanence and the prevalence of natural disasters in Japan might influence the usage and perception of 崩れる.
Seek Feedback
If possible, have a native speaker or teacher review your sentences using 崩れる to ensure accuracy and naturalness.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'cuz' (kuzu) trying to hold up a very tall tower. When the 'cuz' gets tired, the tower starts to 're'-ally fall down and 'ru'-in. So, 'kuzu' + 're' + 'ru' = collapse!
Visual Association
Picture a sandcastle that's meticulously built, but then a wave comes and washes it away, leaving only a messy pile of sand. The sandcastle has 'kuzureru'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe five different things you see that might collapse or have collapsed, using 崩れる in your sentences. This could be a building, a pile of books, a plan, or even your own resolve.
Word Origin
The word 崩れる (kuzureru) is believed to have originated from Old Japanese. The kanji 崩 itself depicts a structure breaking apart. The verb ending -れる (-reru) is a common inflection for intransitive verbs.
Original meaning: The core meaning relates to a structure falling apart or disintegrating.
JaponicCultural Context
When discussing the collapse of buildings or natural disasters, it's important to be sensitive to the potential trauma associated with such events. When used figuratively for emotional states, it can describe profound distress.
In English, we have many words for collapse, such as 'collapse', 'crumble', 'fall down', 'break apart', 'deteriorate', and 'disintegrate'. The choice depends heavily on the specific context, much like in Japanese.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Natural Disasters (Earthquakes, Landslides, Typhoons)
- 土砂崩れが発生した (A landslide occurred)
- 建物が崩れた (The building collapsed)
- 崖が崩れる恐れがある (There is a risk of the cliff collapsing)
Infrastructure and Structures
- 橋が崩れかけている (The bridge is starting to collapse)
- 古い壁が崩れた (The old wall collapsed)
- 堤防が崩壊した (The embankment collapsed)
Plans and Projects
- 計画が崩れてしまった (The plan collapsed)
- 私たちの計画は崩壊した (Our plans collapsed)
- 彼の計画は崩れかけた (His plan started to collapse)
Emotional and Mental States
- 平静さが崩れた (Composure broke down)
- 自信が崩れた (Confidence crumbled)
- 精神が崩れる (Mental state collapses)
Order and Systems
- 秩序が崩れる (Order collapses)
- 社会が崩壊する (Society collapses)
- 経済システムが崩壊しかねない (The economic system could collapse)
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever seen something physically collapse, like a building or a landslide?"
"What's the most dramatic plan you've ever seen or experienced collapse?"
"Can you think of a time when your composure completely broke down?"
"What do you think causes social order to collapse?"
"If a structure is about to collapse, what measures can be taken to prevent it?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time when a plan you made didn't work out as expected. How did it feel when it 'collapsed'?
Think about a time you felt overwhelmed or lost your composure. How did that feel, and could you describe it using the word 崩れる?
Imagine a historical event where a structure or system collapsed. What were the causes and consequences?
What are some things in life that you think are inherently unstable and might 'collapse' over time?
How does the concept of impermanence relate to the idea of things collapsing or falling apart?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 崩れる is also used figuratively. It can describe plans, hopes, emotional states, or even social order breaking down or falling apart. For example, 'His plan collapsed' (計画が崩れた) or 'Her composure began to crumble' (彼女の平静さが崩れ始めた).
壊れる (kowareru) means 'to break' or 'to be broken', often referring to an object that is damaged and no longer functions, but might still retain its shape (e.g., a broken phone). 崩れる (kuzureru) implies a more significant structural failure, where something falls apart, disintegrates, or loses its form, like a collapsing wall or a crumbling sandcastle.
Yes, but usually figuratively. People might say their composure (平静さ - heiseisha) or confidence (自信 - jishin) has 'collapsed' (崩れた) under stress or disappointment. It's not typically used for a person physically falling down, for which 倒れる (taoreru) is more common.
Adding 〜てしまう (te shimau) to the て-form of 崩れる adds a nuance of completion, finality, or regret. It means 'to have collapsed completely' or 'to end up collapsing'. For example, 'My plan collapsed completely' (計画は崩れてしまった).
Yes, 崩れる is a very common and versatile verb in Japanese. It's frequently used in news reports about disasters, in everyday conversations about things breaking or failing, and in more abstract discussions about plans or emotions.
Context is key. If the sentence is about buildings, mountains, natural phenomena, or physical structures, it's likely literal. If it's about plans, relationships, emotions, or abstract concepts, it's figurative. Pay attention to the subject of the verb and the surrounding vocabulary.
The most common noun form is 崩壊 (hōkai), meaning 'collapse' or 'ruin'. You might also see 崩れ (kuzure) used as a noun, especially in compound words like 土砂崩れ (doshabuzure - landslide).
Yes, it can describe a sudden and drastic change in weather, especially from good to bad. For example, 'The clear sky collapsed into a storm' (晴れた空が嵐に崩れた).
崩れる refers to a structural breakdown or disintegration, losing form and falling apart. 乱れる means to become disordered or messy, like unkempt hair or a chaotic schedule. A collapse might lead to disorder, but 崩れる focuses on the act of falling apart.
Yes, common phrases include 土砂崩れ (doshabuzure - landslide), 計画が崩れる (keikaku ga kuzureru - plan collapses), and 崩れかけている (kuzurekakete iru - is about to collapse).
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Summary
崩れる (kuzureru) describes a loss of structural integrity leading to a collapse or breakdown. It's a versatile verb used for both literal physical disintegration (e.g., a building collapsing) and figurative breakdowns (e.g., a plan falling apart, emotional composure crumbling). Context is crucial for understanding its precise meaning.
- 崩れる (kuzureru) means to collapse, crumble, or fall apart.
- Used for physical things (buildings, mountains) and abstract things (plans, emotions).
- Intransitive verb: describes something that collapses on its own.
- Common in news, disaster reports, and discussions of instability.
Master the 'R' Sound
The Japanese 'r' sound in 崩れる (kuzureru) is often a flap, similar to the 'tt' in American English 'butter'. Practice saying 'kuzu-re-ru' with this flap sound to make it sound more natural.
Context is King
Always consider the context when you encounter 崩れる. Is it a physical object like a building, a natural event like a landslide, or something abstract like a plan or emotion? This will help you understand the precise meaning.
Intransitive Nature
Remember that 崩れる is an intransitive verb. The subject is what collapses. You don't 'collapse something' with 崩れる; rather, 'something collapses'.
Learn Related Nouns
Familiarize yourself with related nouns like 崩壊 (hōkai - collapse) and 土砂崩れ (doshabuzure - landslide). This will deepen your understanding of the concept.
Related Content
More nature words
～上
B1Above; on top of; up.
〜の上
A2On top of, above, upon.
豊か
B1Abundant; rich; plentiful (na-adjective).
〜に従って
B1According to, in conformity with, as (something happens).
酸性雨
B1Acid rain.
営み
B1Activity; daily life; undertaking (e.g., life's activities).
順応する
B1To adapt; to adjust; to conform.
~を背景に
B1Against the backdrop of; with...as background.
空気
A2air
大気汚染
B1Air pollution; the presence of harmful substances in the air.
