Applies to structures, piles, plans, health, and more.
Often implies loss of form or stability.
Commonly used with the particle を (o).
The Japanese verb 崩す (kuzusu) is a versatile word that generally means to break down, demolish, or cause something to fall apart. It can be used for a wide range of situations, from physically tearing down a building to disrupting a carefully arranged stack of objects, or even to describe the breakdown of abstract things like plans or health. Think of it as the action of making something structured or stable become unstable and collapse.
For example, you might use 崩す when talking about demolishing an old house.
古い建物を崩す作業は大変だ。
(Furui tatemono o kuzusu sagyou wa taihen da.) - The work of demolishing the old building is tough.
It's also used for less destructive, but still about causing things to lose their form. Imagine a child building a tower of blocks; if they knock it over, they have 崩すed it.
積み上げたブロックの塔を崩すのが楽しい。
(Tsumiageta burokku no tō o kuzusu no ga tanoshii.) - It's fun to knock down the tower of stacked blocks.
Beyond physical objects, 崩す can refer to disrupting systems or plans. If a carefully laid plan is ruined, you could say it was 崩すed.
彼の突然の計画変更が、我々の努力を崩すことになった。
(Kare no totsuzen no keikaku henkō ga, wareware no doryoku o kuzusu koto ni natta.) - His sudden change of plans ended up disrupting our efforts.
It can also describe a decline in health or condition. If someone's health deteriorates, their body is essentially being 崩すed.
無理なスケジュールで体を崩すなよ。
(Muri na sukejūru de karada o kuzusu na yo.) - Don't break down your health with an unreasonable schedule.
Demolition
Used when talking about tearing down buildings or structures. For instance, an old factory might be 崩すed to make way for new development.
Disruption
Applies to plans, strategies, or arrangements that are intentionally broken or upset. A competitor might try to 崩す your market position.
Deterioration
Can describe a decline in health, condition, or quality. A person's health can 崩す if they don't take care of themselves.
Physical Collapse
Used for anything that is stacked or built and then falls over, like a pile of books or a sandcastle.
Abstract Breakdown
Can be used metaphorically for things like a person's composure or a society's order being disrupted.
The verb 崩す (kuzusu) is a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object. You will often see it used with particles like を (o) to mark the thing being broken down or demolished. The conjugations follow standard Japanese verb patterns.
Here are some common sentence structures and examples:
1. **Object を 崩す (Object o Kuzusu):** This is the most basic structure, indicating that something is being broken down or demolished.
長年の風雨で、その石垣は崩す寸前だった。
(Naganen no fūu de, sono ishigaiki wa kuzusu sunzen datta.) - Due to years of wind and rain, that stone wall was on the verge of collapse.
2. **～ようすを 崩す (～yōsu o Kuzusu):** To disrupt someone's composure or appearance.
突然の質問に、彼の平静な様子は崩すことになった。
(Totsuzen no shitsumon ni, kare no heisei na yōsu wa kuzusu koto ni natta.) - The sudden question disrupted his calm demeanor.
3. **～（状態）を 崩す (～ (jōtai) o Kuzusu):** To break down a state or condition, often referring to health or stability.
睡眠不足が続くと、体調を崩すことがある。
(Suimin busoku ga tsuzuku to, taichō o kuzusu koto ga aru.) - If sleep deprivation continues, one's physical condition can deteriorate.
4. **～（計画・戦略）を 崩す (～ (keikaku/senryaku) o Kuzusu):** To disrupt or break down a plan or strategy.
相手チームは、我々の守備を崩すために、様々な戦術を使った。
(Aite chīmu wa, wareware no shubi o kuzusu tame ni, samazama na senjutsu o tsukatta.) - The opposing team used various tactics to break down our defense.
5. **～（形・体裁）を 崩す (～ (katachi/teisai) o Kuzusu):** To ruin a shape, form, or appearance. This can be literal or figurative.
この絵は、意図的に構図を崩すことで、独特の雰囲気を醸し出している。
(Kono e wa, itoteki ni kōzu o kuzusu koto de, dokutoku no fun'iki o kamoshidashite iru.) - This painting creates a unique atmosphere by intentionally disrupting the composition.
Basic Structure
The most common pattern is [Noun] を 崩す. For example, 壁を崩す (kabe o kuzusu) - to break down a wall.
Figurative Usage
It can also be used metaphorically for abstract concepts. For instance, 計画を崩す (keikaku o kuzusu) - to disrupt a plan.
Health Context
Often appears in the context of health: 体調を崩す (taichō o kuzusu) - to fall ill or have one's condition deteriorate.
Emotional State
Can describe a loss of composure: 平静を崩す (heisei o kuzusu) - to lose one's composure.
Physical Arrangement
Used for things that are built or stacked: 積み木を崩す (tsumiki o kuzusu) - to knock down building blocks.
崩す (kuzusu) is a common verb you'll encounter in various everyday and more formal situations in Japan. Its versatility means it pops up in conversations, news reports, and even in literature and movies.
**1. News and Disaster Reports:** When discussing natural disasters like earthquakes or typhoons, news anchors frequently use 崩す to describe damaged structures. For instance, reports might mention buildings that have been 崩すed by the tremor.
地震により、多くの古い建物が崩すされた。
(Jishin ni yori, ōku no furui tatemono ga kuzusu sareta.) - Many old buildings were destroyed by the earthquake.
**2. Construction and Demolition Sites:** Workers and supervisors at demolition sites will naturally use 崩す when discussing the process of tearing down old structures. You might hear them talking about planning how to safely 崩す a specific part of a building.
この壁は慎重に崩す必要があります。
(Kono kabe wa shinchō ni kuzusu hitsuyō ga arimasu.) - This wall needs to be carefully demolished.
**3. Health and Well-being Conversations:** In casual conversations, people often use 体調を崩す (taichō o kuzusu) to talk about falling ill or feeling unwell. This is a very common expression.
最近、忙しくて体調を崩す人が多い。
(Saikin, isogashikute taichō o kuzusu hito ga ōi.) - Recently, many people have been falling ill due to being busy.
**4. Sports Commentary:** In team sports, commentators might use 崩す to describe a team successfully breaking down the opponent's defense or formation.
彼らは巧みに相手の守備陣を崩すことに成功した。
(Karera wa takumi ni aite no shubi-jin o kuzusu koto ni seikō shita.) - They skillfully succeeded in breaking down the opponent's defense.
**5. Children's Activities:** When children play with blocks or build things, adults might use 崩す to refer to them knocking things down, often in a playful context.
積み木を崩すのは、子供の遊びの定番だ。
(Tsumiki o kuzusu no wa, kodomo no asobi no teiban da.) - Knocking down building blocks is a staple of children's play.
News Reports
Common in reports about natural disasters, accidents, or urban decay, describing structures falling down.
Health Discussions
Frequently used with 体調 (taichō) to mean falling ill or having a decline in physical condition.
Sports
Used to describe breaking down an opponent's formation, defense, or strategy.
Construction/Demolition
Directly refers to the act of demolishing buildings or structures.
Children's Play
Referring to children knocking over block towers or other constructed items.
Learners of Japanese might make a few common mistakes when using 崩す (kuzusu).
**1. Confusing with 壊す (Kowasu):** This is perhaps the most frequent error. While both mean 'to break', 崩す implies causing something to fall apart or collapse, often from a pre-existing structure or arrangement. 壊す is more general for breaking something, like breaking a cup or a toy.
* **Mistake:**
古い城を壊す。
(Furui shiro o kowasu.) - This sounds like you're breaking a castle into pieces, not demolishing it.
* **Correct:**
古い城を崩す。
(Furui shiro o kuzusu.) - This correctly implies demolishing the castle.
**2. Using it for Minor Breakages:** 崩す often implies a significant structural failure or a deliberate disruption. Using it for something like a small chip in a plate would be an overstatement.
* **Mistake:**
皿の端を崩す。
(Sara no hashi o kuzusu.) - This implies the plate is collapsing, which is unlikely for a small chip.
* **Correct:**
皿の端を欠けさせる。
(Sara no hashi o kakesaseru.) - To chip the edge of a plate.
**3. Incorrectly Applying to Abstract Concepts without Context:** While 崩す can be used for abstract things, it needs to be clear what is being disrupted. Simply saying you 崩すed 'happiness' without context might sound odd.
* **Mistake:**
私の幸せを崩す。
(Watashi no shiawase o kuzusu.) - This is too vague. What action caused the happiness to break down?
* **Correct:**
彼の裏切りは、私の幸せを壊滅させた。
(Kare no uragiri wa, watashi no shiawase o kaimetsusaseta.) - His betrayal devastated my happiness. (using a more specific verb for devastation).
**4. Forgetting Transitivity:** 崩す is a transitive verb. Forgetting to include the object or using it intransitively can lead to ungrammatical sentences.
* **Mistake:**
建物が崩す。
(Tatemono ga kuzusu.) - This implies the building itself is performing the action of collapsing it. The passive form 崩される (kuzusareru) or a verb like 崩れる (kuzureru) would be more appropriate if it collapsed on its own.
* **Correct:**
建物が崩れ落ちた。
(Tatemono ga kuzureochita.) - The building collapsed.
Understanding the nuances between 崩す (kuzusu) and similar verbs is crucial for accurate Japanese expression.
壊す (Kowasu)
This is the most common alternative, meaning 'to break' or 'to destroy'. 壊す is more general and can be used for breaking almost anything, from a glass to a machine. 崩す specifically implies causing something to fall apart, collapse, or lose its structure.
* Example: 壊す - A cup is broken.
コップを壊した。
(Koppu o kowashita.)
* Example: 崩す - A wall is demolished.
古い壁を崩す。
(Furui kabe o kuzusu.)
破壊する (Hakai suru)
This is a more formal and intense word for 'to destroy' or 'to wreck'. It often implies a more complete and often violent destruction, like destroying an enemy city or a nation. 崩す is less intense and focuses on the act of making something collapse or fall apart rather than complete obliteration.
* Example: 破壊する - To destroy a kingdom.
敵国を破壊する。
(Tekikoku o hakai suru.)
* Example: 崩す - To disrupt a formation.
相手のフォーメーションを崩す。
(Aite no fōmēshon o kuzusu.)
倒す (Tosu)
This verb means 'to knock down', 'to defeat', or 'to overthrow'. It's often used for physically knocking something over (like a person or a tree) or defeating an opponent. While 崩す can result in something falling down, 倒す focuses more on the act of causing it to fall or be defeated.
* Example: 倒す - To knock over a tree.
木を倒す。
(Ki o taosu.)
* Example: 崩す - To make a carefully built structure fall.
積み上げた石を崩す。
(Tsumiageta ishi o kuzusu.)
崩れる (Kuzureru)
This is the intransitive counterpart of 崩す. It means 'to collapse', 'to fall down', or 'to crumble' on its own, without an external agent actively causing it. 崩す is when *you* cause something to collapse.
* Example: 崩れる - The building collapsed.
古い橋が崩れた。
(Furui hashi ga kuzureta.)
* Example: 崩す - To demolish the old bridge.
古い橋を崩す。
(Furui hashi o kuzusu.)
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The character 崩 itself is composed of the radical '山' (mountain) and '几' (a low table or stand), suggesting the idea of something high or solid (like a mountain) becoming disordered or falling. This visual can help remember the meaning of collapse.
Pronunciation Guide
UK/kuzu'su/
US/kuzu'su/
The stress is typically on the first syllable, 'ku-zu-su', but it's a very subtle stress in Japanese.
Adding an unnecessary emphasis on the last syllable.
Failing to pronounce the 'u' at the end clearly.
Difficulty Rating
Reading3/5
At B1, learners can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>崩す</mark> appears in contexts related to physical actions and common situations like falling ill, making it relatively accessible.
Writing3/5
Learners at B1 can write simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. They can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. Using <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>崩す</mark> in these contexts is manageable.
Speaking3/5
B1 speakers can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. They can enter unprepared into conversation on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life. <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>崩す</mark> fits well into everyday conversations about health or simple physical actions.
Listening3/5
B1 listeners can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters. <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>崩す</mark> is used in common phrases and everyday language, making it likely to be understood.
崩す (kuzusu) is transitive (requires an object), while 崩れる (kuzureru) is intransitive (describes something happening on its own). e.g., 建物を崩す (demolish a building) vs. 建物が崩れた (the building collapsed).
Causative and Passive Forms
The causative form 崩させる (kuzusaseru) means 'to make someone/something demolish'. The passive form 崩される (kuzusareru) means 'to be demolished'.
Verb Conjugations (e.g., -te form, -tai form)
崩して (kuzushite - te form), 崩したい (kuzushitai - want to demolish).
Using Particles with Transitive Verbs
The direct object of 崩す is marked with the particle を (o). e.g., 壁を崩す.
Common Phrases and Collocations
Certain noun-verb combinations are very frequent, like 体調を崩す (to fall ill), which should be learned as a set phrase.
— To be extremely cautious, to test the bridge by hitting it before crossing. While not directly containing 'kuzusu', this idiom relates to the idea of ensuring stability and preventing collapse, the opposite of what 'kuzusu' does.
彼 は石橋(いしばし)を叩(たた)いて渡(わた)る性格(せいかく)だから、計画(けいかく)を崩(くず)すような無謀(むぼう)な行動(こうどう)はしない。 (He has a personality of testing the bridge by hitting it, so he won't do reckless things that could break down the plan.)
— A castle built on sand; something unstable and bound to collapse. This idiom directly relates to the concept of collapse or disintegration implied by 'kuzusu'.
その計画(けいかく)は砂上(さじょう)の楼閣(ろうかく)であり、いつか(itsuka)崩(くず)れるだろう。 (That plan is a castle built on sand and will eventually collapse.)
— To shake the foundation. This is similar to undermining or breaking down the base of something, which aligns with the concept of 'kuzusu'.
不正(ふせい)は社会(しゃかい)の土台(どだい)を揺(ゆ)るし、長期的(ちょうきてき)には崩(くず)す原因(げんいん)となる。 (Corruption shakes the foundation of society and will, in the long run, cause it to collapse.)
— To pour oil on the fire; to make a bad situation worse. While not directly about collapse, it's about exacerbating a negative state, which can lead to breakdown.
混乱(こんらん)している状況(じょうきょう)に彼(かれ)の発言(はつげん)は火(ひ)に油(あぶら)を注(そそ)ぎ、事態(じたい)を一層(いっそう)悪化(あっか)させ、最終的(さいしゅうてき)には崩壊(ほうかい)を招(まね)くだろう。 (His remarks poured oil on the fire in the chaotic situation, worsening matters and likely leading to collapse in the end.)
— To be dethroned; to be removed from power. This is a form of collapse for a ruler or regime.
民衆(みんしゅう)の不満(ふまん)が高(たか)まり、王(おう)は玉座(ぎょくざ)を追(お)われ、王国(おうこく)は崩壊(ほうかい)した。 (The people's dissatisfaction grew, the king was dethroned, and the kingdom collapsed.)
— To lose trust. This can lead to the breakdown of relationships or systems.
度重(たびかさ)なる失敗(しっぱい)で、会社(かいしゃ)は顧客(こきゃく)からの信頼(しんらい)を失(うしな)い、経営(けいえい)が危(あや)うくなった。 (Due to repeated failures, the company lost its customers' trust, and its management became precarious.)
— On the verge of collapse. This phrase directly relates to the state of being about to 'kuzusu' or 'kuzureru'.
経済(けいざい)は崩壊(ほうかい)寸前だった。 (The economy was on the verge of collapse.)
Formal
Easily Confused
崩すvs壊す (kowasu)
Both verbs relate to destruction or breaking. <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>壊す</mark> is a general term for breaking anything, while <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>崩す</mark> has a more specific nuance of causing something structured to fall apart or collapse.
Use <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>壊す</mark> for breaking a cup, a toy, or a machine. Use <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>崩す</mark> for demolishing a building, knocking down a stack of blocks, or disrupting a plan. The former is about damage, the latter about structural failure or disarray.
<figure class='my-3 rounded-xl bg-emerald-50 dark:bg-emerald-900/20 border-s-4 border-emerald-400 overflow-hidden'><blockquote class='p-3 not-prose'><p class='font-sans text-base font-medium text-emerald-800 dark:text-emerald-200'>コップを<mark class='bg-emerald-200 dark:bg-emerald-800 px-0.5 rounded'>壊した</mark>が、<ruby>家<rp>(</rp><rt>いえ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>は<ruby>崩<rp>(</rp><rt>くず</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>さなかった。</p></blockquote></figure> (I broke the cup, but I didn't demolish the house.)
崩すvs崩れる (kuzureru)
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>崩れる</mark> is the intransitive counterpart of <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>崩す</mark>. They are closely related in meaning but differ in grammatical function.
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>崩す</mark> (kuzusu) is transitive, meaning someone or something actively causes the collapse (e.g., 'I will demolish the wall'). <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>崩れる</mark> (kuzureru) is intransitive, meaning something collapses on its own (e.g., 'The wall collapsed').
<figure class='my-3 rounded-xl bg-emerald-50 dark:bg-emerald-900/20 border-s-4 border-emerald-400 overflow-hidden'><blockquote class='p-3 not-prose'><p class='font-sans text-base font-medium text-emerald-800 dark:text-emerald-200'><ruby>私<rp>(</rp><rt>わたし</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>が<ruby>壁<rp>(</rp><rt>かべ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>崩<rp>(</rp><rt>くず</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>す (I will demolish the wall) vs. <ruby>壁<rp>(</rp><rt>かべ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>が<ruby>崩<rp>(</rp><rt>くず</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>れた (The wall collapsed).
崩すvs倒す (taosu)
Both verbs can result in something falling down. However, <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>倒す</mark> focuses on the act of knocking something over or defeating it, while <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>崩す</mark> implies a more fundamental breakdown of structure or stability.
Use <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>倒す</mark> for knocking over a person, a tree, or an opponent in a game. Use <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>崩す</mark> for making a carefully stacked pile fall, demolishing a building, or disrupting a formation. The former is about overthrowing or felling, the latter about disintegration.
<figure class='my-3 rounded-xl bg-emerald-50 dark:bg-emerald-900/20 border-s-4 border-emerald-400 overflow-hidden'><blockquote class='p-3 not-prose'><p class='font-sans text-base font-medium text-emerald-800 dark:text-emerald-200'><ruby>木<rp>(</rp><rt>き</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>倒<rp>(</rp><rt>たお</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>すのは<ruby>簡単<rp>(</rp><rt>かんたん</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>だが、<ruby>積<rp>(</rp><rt>つ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>んだ<ruby>石<rp>(</rp><rt>いし</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>崩<rp>(</rp><rt>くず</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>すのは<ruby>難<rp>(</rp><rt>むずか</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>しい。</p></blockquote></figure> (Knocking down a tree is easy, but making a pile of stones collapse is difficult.)
崩すvs破壊する (hakai suru)
Both verbs relate to destruction, but <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>破壊する</mark> is more formal and implies a more complete and often violent destruction.
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>破壊する</mark> is used for significant, often intentional, destruction like destroying an enemy city or a weapon. <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>崩す</mark> is less intense and more about causing something to fall apart or become disorganized, like demolishing a building or disrupting a plan.
<figure class='my-3 rounded-xl bg-emerald-50 dark:bg-emerald-900/20 border-s-4 border-emerald-400 overflow-hidden'><blockquote class='p-3 not-prose'><p class='font-sans text-base font-medium text-emerald-800 dark:text-emerald-200'><ruby>都市<rp>(</rp><rt>とし</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>破壊<rp>(</rp><rt>はかい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>するのと、<ruby>古<rp>(</rp><rt>ふる</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>い<ruby>建物<rp>(</rp><rt>たてもの</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>崩<rp>(</rp><rt>くず</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>すのは<ruby>意味<rp>(</rp><rt>いみ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>が<ruby>違<rp>(</rp><rt>ちが</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>う。</p></blockquote></figure> (Destroying a city and demolishing an old building are different in meaning.)
崩すvs台無しにする (dainashi ni suru)
Both can imply ruining something, but <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>台無しにする</mark> is more about spoiling or making a mess of something, often abstractly, while <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>崩す</mark> refers to structural breakdown.
Use <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>台無しにする</mark> for ruining a meal, a party, or someone's efforts. Use <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>崩す</mark> for causing a structure to fall, a plan to disintegrate, or one's health to decline.
<figure class='my-3 rounded-xl bg-emerald-50 dark:bg-emerald-900/20 border-s-4 border-emerald-400 overflow-hidden'><blockquote class='p-3 not-prose'><p class='font-sans text-base font-medium text-emerald-800 dark:text-emerald-200'><ruby>雨<rp>(</rp><rt>あめ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>で<ruby>運動会<rp>(</rp><rt>うんどうかい</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>が<ruby>台無<rp>(</rp><rt>だいなし</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>しに<ruby> cropland</rp><rt>な</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ったが、<ruby>人<rp>(</rp><rt>ひと</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>の<ruby>体調<rp>(</rp><rt>たいちょう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>は<ruby>崩<rp>(</rp><rt>くず</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>さなかった。</p></blockquote></figure> (The sports day was ruined by the rain, but no one's health deteriorated.)
Common, especially in contexts related to physical structures, health, and disruption.
Common Mistakes
Confusing 崩す (kuzusu) with 壊す (kowasu) for general breaking.→Use 崩す for causing structures or organized things to fall apart; use 壊す for general breaking (like a cup).
While both mean 'to break', 崩す implies a loss of structure or order, leading to collapse. 壊す is broader and can apply to any kind of breakage.
Using 崩す (kuzusu) intransitively like 崩れる (kuzureru).→崩す is transitive (e.g., 壁を崩す - to break a wall). Use 崩れる when something collapses on its own (e.g., 壁が崩れた - the wall collapsed).
Forgetting the transitive nature of 崩す can lead to grammatical errors. Remember that 崩れる describes the state of collapse itself.
Using 崩す (kuzusu) for minor damage.→Use 崩す for significant structural breakdown or disruption, not for small chips or scratches.
It implies a more substantial failure. For minor damage, other verbs like 欠ける (kakeru - to chip) or 傷つける (kizutsukeru - to scratch) are more appropriate.
Using 崩す (kuzusu) for abstract concepts without clear context.→Ensure the context makes it clear what is being disrupted or broken down when using 崩す metaphorically.
While usable for abstract things like plans or composure, vague usage can be confusing. For example, saying 'his actions broke down my happiness' needs context to be understood.
Confusing 崩す (kuzusu) with 倒す (taosu).→Use 倒す for knocking something over or defeating it; use 崩す for causing a structure to fall apart or disintegrate.
倒す focuses on the act of felling or overthrowing, while 崩す focuses on the breakdown of internal structure or stability.
Tips
Distinguish from 壊す (Kowasu)
Remember that 崩す implies causing something structured to fall apart or collapse, whereas 壊す is more general for breaking. Think of 'crumbling' or 'demolishing' for 崩す.
Transitive Nature
崩す is a transitive verb. It needs a direct object marked by the particle を (o). For example, 壁を崩す (to break down a wall). If something collapses on its own, use the intransitive 崩れる (kuzureru).
Common Collocation: 体調を崩す
The phrase 体調を崩す is extremely common and means 'to fall ill' or 'to have one's physical condition deteriorate'. Learn this as a set phrase.
Abstract Applications
Don't limit 崩す to physical objects. It's widely used metaphorically for disrupting plans, strategies, formations, or even social structures. Think of it as 'undermining' or 'disrupting'.
Kanji Visualisation
The kanji 崩 (mountain 山 on a low table 几) visually suggests collapse. Imagine a mountain on a wobbly table falling apart. This can help remember the meaning of breaking down or collapsing.
Passive and Causative Forms
Be aware of the passive form 崩される (kuzusareru - to be demolished) and the causative form 崩させる (kuzusaseru - to make someone demolish). These are important for expressing different nuances.
Beyond Literal Destruction
While it means to demolish, 崩す can also describe a loss of composure (平静を崩す) or a disruption of rhythm.
Related Nouns
Learn the related nouns 崩壊 (hōkai - collapse) and 崩れ (kuzure - collapse, disorder) to broaden your understanding.
Stress and Sound
Pronounce it as 'kuzu-su', with a subtle stress on the first syllable. Avoid making the 'zu' sound too harsh.
Cultural Nuance: Impermanence
The concept of things falling apart aligns with the Japanese appreciation for impermanence (無常 - mujō) and the beauty of transience (wabi-sabi).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a mountain (山) on a low table (几). If the table is wobbly, the mountain will fall and break apart. The kanji 崩 thus visually represents something structured collapsing. Think of 'kuzu' as in 'kuzureta' (it collapsed).
Visual Association
Picture a house of cards (a structure) being deliberately knocked over by a hand. The falling cards represent the 'kuzusu' action.
Try to use 崩す in sentences describing different scenarios: a building demolition, a child knocking over blocks, and a plan being ruined. Focus on using it transitively with the particle を (o).
Word Origin
The verb 崩す (kuzusu) is believed to have originated from the onomatopoeic representation of something falling apart or crumbling. The root 'kuzu' itself can refer to something broken or fragmented. It's an ancient verb in the Japanese language.
Original meaning: To cause something to break apart or fall down.
Japonic
Cultural Context
When discussing demolishing structures, especially historical ones, it's important to be mindful of cultural heritage. The act of 崩す should be approached with respect for the past.
In English, we have many words for breaking and destruction, but 'to break down', 'to cause to collapse', or 'to demolish' capture the essence of 崩す. The specific nuance of causing something structured to fall apart is key.
The collapse of ancient castles in historical dramas (e.g., during the Sengoku period).News reports on earthquakes and typhoons causing buildings to collapse.Artistic representations of decay and ruin in traditional Japanese paintings or modern installations.
Describe a time you or someone you know fell ill. Use the phrase <ruby>体調<rp>(</rp><rt>たいちょう</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>を<ruby>崩<rp>(</rp><rt>くず</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>す.
Imagine you are demolishing an old building. What challenges might you face? Use the verb <ruby>崩<rp>(</rp><rt>くず</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>す.
Write about a plan you made that was disrupted. Explain how it was <ruby>崩<rp>(</rp><rt>くず</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>ed.
Describe a time you built something (like a sandcastle or a block tower) and then knocked it down. Use <ruby>崩<rp>(</rp><rt>くず</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>す.
Reflect on the idea of things falling apart or collapsing. How does this relate to nature or human endeavors? Use <ruby>崩<rp>(</rp><rt>くず</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>す or its related forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions
崩す (kuzusu) specifically means to cause something that has a form or structure to fall apart, collapse, or become disorganized. Think of a carefully stacked pile of blocks, a building, or a plan. 壊す (kowasu) is a more general term for breaking or destroying something, such as breaking a cup, a toy, or a machine. While there can be overlap, 崩す emphasizes the loss of structural integrity or order.
The phrase 体調を崩す (taichō o kuzusu) is very common and means 'to fall ill' or 'for one's physical condition to deteriorate'. It's used when you feel unwell, often due to overwork, stress, or catching a cold. It implies a breakdown in your normal healthy state.
Yes, absolutely. 崩す is frequently used metaphorically. For example, you can 計画を崩す (keikaku o kuzusu) to mean disrupting a plan, or 守りを崩す (mamori o kuzusu) to mean breaking down a defense in sports or strategy. It signifies causing something ordered or stable to become disordered or fail.
崩す (kuzusu) is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. It describes the action of *causing* something to fall apart or collapse. For example, 'I will demolish the building' (建物を崩す). 崩れる (kuzureru) is an intransitive verb, meaning the action happens by itself or to the subject. For example, 'The building collapsed' (建物が崩れた).
A common mistake is confusing it with 壊す (kowasu), using it for general breaking instead of structural collapse. Another is forgetting it's a transitive verb and not using a direct object, or incorrectly using it for minor damage. Also, confusing it with the intransitive 崩れる (kuzureru) is frequent.
Generally, 崩す has a negative connotation of destruction or breakdown. However, in certain contexts, like breaking down an opponent's strong defense in sports, or artistically disrupting a conventional composition to create something new, the *result* might be seen as positive or strategic, even though the action itself is a form of disruption or breakdown.
You can 崩す physical structures like buildings, walls, or piles of objects. You can also 崩す abstract things like plans, strategies, formations, a person's composure, or even one's health (体調).
崩す itself is a verb and its politeness depends on the conjugation and context. For example, 崩します (kuzushimasu) is the polite form. However, the *act* of demolishing or disrupting can be seen as negative, so the word's usage should be appropriate for the situation. It's not inherently rude, but the action it describes might be.
The most direct antonyms are verbs related to building or establishing, such as 築く (kizuku - to build, establish) or 建てる (tateru - to build/erect). Other antonyms in terms of effect would be 維持する (iji suru - to maintain) or 修復する (shūfuku suru - to repair).
Yes, it's commonly used. For example, 地震で建物が崩された (tatemono ga kuzusareta - the building was destroyed by the earthquake) or 土砂崩れ (dosha kuzure - landslide) uses a related noun. While 崩す is transitive, the passive form 崩される is often used to describe the effect of natural disasters on structures.
崩す (kuzusu) is a versatile verb meaning to break down or demolish, applicable to physical structures, arrangements, abstract plans, and even health, signifying a loss of form or stability.
To break down, demolish, or cause to fall apart.
Applies to structures, piles, plans, health, and more.
Often implies loss of form or stability.
Commonly used with the particle を (o).
💡
Distinguish from 壊す (Kowasu)
Remember that 崩す implies causing something structured to fall apart or collapse, whereas 壊す is more general for breaking. Think of 'crumbling' or 'demolishing' for 崩す.
⚙️
Transitive Nature
崩す is a transitive verb. It needs a direct object marked by the particle を (o). For example, 壁を崩す (to break down a wall). If something collapses on its own, use the intransitive 崩れる (kuzureru).
📚
Common Collocation: 体調を崩す
The phrase 体調を崩す is extremely common and means 'to fall ill' or 'to have one's physical condition deteriorate'. Learn this as a set phrase.
🌍
Abstract Applications
Don't limit 崩す to physical objects. It's widely used metaphorically for disrupting plans, strategies, formations, or even social structures. Think of it as 'undermining' or 'disrupting'.
