Explanation at your level:
Hello! 破壊する (hakai suru) is a verb that means to break something really badly. Imagine you have a toy car, and you drop it, and it breaks into many pieces. That's like 破壊する! It's when something is broken and cannot be fixed anymore. You can use it for toys, or maybe a building that falls down.
破壊する (hakai suru) means to destroy or demolish something. It’s used when something is broken in a big way, so much that it’s ruined. For example, a storm might 破壊する (destroy) houses, or a person might 破壊する (destroy) a wall. It’s a strong word for a strong action of breaking.
The Japanese verb 破壊する (hakai suru) signifies the act of destroying, demolishing, or ruining something. This can apply to physical objects like buildings or structures, or even to more abstract concepts. For instance, one might say that pollution can 破壊する (destroy) the environment, or that a betrayal can 破壊する (ruin) a friendship. It implies a significant level of damage.
破壊する (hakai suru) is a verb denoting the complete destruction or demolition of something. It goes beyond simple damage, implying a state of ruin or annihilation. This can be applied literally, such as when a building is 破壊される (destroyed), or figuratively, like when misinformation can 破壊する (destroy) public trust. The context often clarifies whether the destruction is physical, social, or psychological.
In Japanese, 破壊する (hakai suru) denotes the act of causing severe damage leading to ruin or annihilation. Its application spans the physical realm (e.g., demolishing infrastructure) and extends to abstract domains, encompassing the subversion of systems, the obliteration of hope, or the erosion of societal norms. Understanding its usage requires appreciating the degree of finality and impact implied; it signifies a fundamental breakdown rather than mere impairment.
The verb 破壊する (hakai suru) encapsulates the concept of utter devastation, encompassing demolition, ruin, and annihilation. Its semantic range is broad, extending from the physical disintegration of matter to the systemic collapse of institutions or the psychological obliteration of an individual's spirit. Etymologically rooted in characters signifying breaking and ruin, its usage often carries connotations of finality, irreversibility, and profound loss, making it a potent term in contexts ranging from historical accounts of conflict to philosophical discussions on entropy and decay.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 破壊する (hakai suru) means to destroy, demolish, or ruin.
- It implies significant, often irreversible damage.
- Used for both physical objects and abstract concepts.
- Requires the particle を (o) for the object being destroyed.
Hey there! Let's dive into the Japanese verb 破壊する (hakai suru). It's a powerful word that means to destroy, demolish, or ruin something. Think about a building being torn down, a valuable vase being smashed, or even a plan falling apart – all of these can be described using this verb.
The core idea behind 破壊する is causing something to cease to exist in its original form or function. It implies a significant and often irreversible change. We use it when something is broken down, ruined, or completely annihilated. It’s not just a little scratch; it’s a substantial act of destruction.
So, whether you're talking about a natural disaster leveling a city or someone deliberately breaking something, 破壊する is the word to use. It carries a strong sense of finality and damage. Keep this in mind as we explore its nuances!
The word 破壊 (hakai) itself is a compound word made of two kanji characters. The first, 破 (ha), means to break, tear, or destroy. It often depicts something being split apart. The second kanji, 壊 (kai), also means to break, destroy, or ruin. Together, 破壊 paints a vivid picture of complete destruction, like something being shattered into pieces.
The verb form, 破壊する (hakai suru), is created by adding する (suru), the common verb meaning 'to do', to the noun 破壊. This is a very common way to form verbs in Japanese, turning nouns into actions. The word has roots in classical Chinese, where the characters also carry similar meanings of breaking and destruction.
Historically, the concept of destruction has always been present, from natural calamities to warfare. The term 破壊 reflects this enduring aspect of human experience. Its usage has remained consistent over time, denoting a severe act of damage or ruin. It's a direct and impactful term that has served the language well for centuries.
破壊する is a versatile verb used in many contexts, both literal and figurative. You'll hear it used for physical destruction, like when a building is demolished (建物を破壊する - tatemono o hakai suru) or when a natural disaster destroys an area (地域を破壊する - chiiki o hakai suru).
It's also used for less tangible things. For example, you can talk about destroying evidence (証拠を破壊する - shōko o hakai suru) or even ruining someone's reputation (評判を破壊する - hyōban o hakai suru). In a more abstract sense, it can describe the destruction of dreams or hopes (夢を破壊する - yume o hakai suru).
When using 破壊する, remember it often implies a complete breakdown. It's generally a neutral to formal term, suitable for news reports, official statements, or serious discussions. In casual conversation, people might use simpler verbs if the destruction is minor, but for significant damage, 破壊する is the go-to verb.
While 破壊する itself is quite direct, it appears in expressions that emphasize the totality of destruction or the act of causing it. Here are a few ways the concept of destruction is expressed:
- 粉々に破壊する (konagona ni hakai suru): This literally means to destroy something into pieces, emphasizing fragmentation. Example: 彼はガラスを粉々に破壊した (Kare wa garasu o konagona ni hakai shita) - He smashed the glass into pieces.
- 根こそぎ破壊する (ne koso gi hakai suru): This means to destroy something completely, down to the roots. It implies total eradication. Example: 伝染病は農作物を根こそぎ破壊した (Denshinbyō wa nōsakubutsu o ne koso gi hakai shita) - The epidemic destroyed the crops root and branch.
- 破壊活動 (hakai katsudō): This refers to destructive activities or sabotage. Example: 彼らは破壊活動の容疑で逮捕された (Karera wa hakai katsudō no yōgi de taiho sareta) - They were arrested on suspicion of sabotage.
- 自滅行為 (jimetsu kōi): While not directly using 破壊する, this means self-destructive behavior, the act of destroying oneself. Example: そのような行動は自滅行為だ (Sono yō na kōdō wa jimetsu kōi da) - Such actions are self-destructive.
- 破壊神 (haikaishin): This translates to a 'god of destruction', often seen in mythology or fiction. Example: シヴァは破壊神として知られている (Shiva wa haikaishin to shite shirarete iru) - Shiva is known as the god of destruction.
As a verb, 破壊する conjugates like other する-verbs. Its plain form is 破壊する (hakai suru), the past tense is 破壊した (hakai shita), and the negative is 破壊しない (hakai shinai). The potential form, meaning 'can destroy', is 破壊できる (hakai dekiru).
The pronunciation is straightforward. Break it down syllable by syllable: ha-ka-i-su-ru. The stress is relatively even across the syllables, with perhaps a slight emphasis on 'ka' and 'su'. In British English, you might hear it as /həˈkaɪ sʊˈruː/, while American English could be /həˈkaɪ sʊˈruː/. It rhymes with words like 'sky' and 'true' if you were to try and find English rhymes, though direct rhymes are scarce.
When using it, the object being destroyed is typically marked with the particle を (o). For example, 'to destroy the city' is 都市を破壊する (toshi o hakai suru). Understanding this particle usage is key to forming correct sentences with this verb.
Fun Fact
The character 壊 itself is composed of 'egg' (卵) and 'foot' (夊), perhaps symbolizing the destruction of something fragile like an egg by being stepped on.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'huh-KAI soo-roo', with the stress slightly on 'KAI' and 'soo'.
Similar to British pronunciation, 'huh-KAI soo-roo', with even stress on syllables.
Common Errors
- Merging 'kai' and 'su' into 'kaisu'.
- Putting too much emphasis on the final 'ru'.
- Pronouncing 'ha' as 'ha' instead of a softer 'huh' sound in connected speech.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Requires understanding of kanji and context.
Conjugation and particle usage need practice.
Pronunciation and choosing the right nuance.
Context is key to understanding the degree of destruction.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Transitive Verbs and the を Particle
建物 を 破壊する (Tatemono o hakai suru) - Destroy the building.
する-Verb Conjugation
破壊する (plain), 破壊した (past), 破壊しない (negative).
Potential Form (Can Do)
破壊できる (hakai dekiru) - Can destroy.
Examples by Level
おもちゃを破壊する。
toy (object) break-destroy.
The particle を marks the object.
家を破壊する。
house (object) break-destroy.
Use を to show what is being destroyed.
壁を破壊する。
wall (object) break-destroy.
The particle を indicates the direct object.
花を破壊する。
flower (object) break-destroy.
The particle を marks the thing being destroyed.
ガラスを破壊する。
glass (object) break-destroy.
The particle を shows what is being destroyed.
木を破壊する。
tree (object) break-destroy.
Use を for the object of destruction.
橋を破壊する。
bridge (object) break-destroy.
The particle を marks the object.
船を破壊する。
ship (object) break-destroy.
Use を to indicate the object of destruction.
地震が町を破壊した。
earthquake (subject) town (object) destroyed.
Past tense of 破壊する is 破壊した.
彼は古い建物を破壊した。
He (subject) old building (object) destroyed.
The particle を marks the object of destruction.
嵐が船を破壊するかもしれない。
storm (subject) ship (object) destroy might.
Potential form 破壊する could be used with might.
vandals are destroying the park.
vandals (subject) park (object) destroying.
Present continuous can be expressed with ～ている form.
その爆弾は橋を破壊した。
that bomb (subject) bridge (object) destroyed.
Use を for the object of the action.
計画を破壊しないでください。
plan (object) destroy please don't.
Negative command: ～ないでください.
彼らは証拠を破壊しようとした。
they (subject) evidence (object) destroy tried.
～ようとした means 'tried to do'.
自然は時々都市を破壊する。
nature (subject) sometimes city (object) destroys.
Simple present tense for general truths.
The earthquake severely destroyed the city.
地震が町をひどく破壊した。
Use adverbs like severely (ひどく) to modify the verb.
Vandalism can destroy public property.
破壊行為は公共物を破壊することがある。
公共物 (kōkyōbutsu) means public property.
He tried to destroy the evidence before the police arrived.
警察が来る前に、彼は証拠を破壊しようとした。
～しようとした expresses an attempt to do something.
The war destroyed countless homes and lives.
戦争は数えきれないほどの家と命を破壊した。
数えきれないほど (kazoekirenai hodo) means countless.
Don't let negativity destroy your dreams.
否定的な考えがあなたの夢を破壊させないでください。
Figurative use: dreams can be destroyed.
The company's bad decisions led to its own destruction.
その会社の悪い決定は、自社の破壊につながった。
自社の破壊 (jisha no hakai) means the company's own destruction.
They are planning to demolish the old factory.
彼らは古い工場を破壊する計画を立てている。
Demolish is a common meaning of 破壊する.
His harsh words destroyed her confidence.
彼の厳しい言葉は彼女の自信を破壊した。
Confidence (自信 - jishin) can be destroyed.
The unchecked spread of invasive species can destroy local ecosystems.
外来種の無秩序な広がりは、地域の生態系を破壊する可能性がある。
外来種 (gairaishu) - invasive species; 生態系 (seitaikei) - ecosystem.
Historical records indicate that the city was destroyed by fire multiple times.
歴史記録によれば、その都市は火災によって何度も破壊された。
The passive form 破壊された (hakai sareta) is used here.
The government implemented measures to prevent the destruction of cultural heritage sites.
政府は文化遺産の破壊を防ぐための措置を講じた。
文化遺産 (bunkaisan) - cultural heritage; 措置を講じる (sochi o kōjiru) - implement measures.
His reckless actions nearly destroyed the company's reputation.
彼の無謀な行動は会社の評判をほぼ破壊しかけた。
評判 (hyōban) - reputation; 無謀な (mubō na) - reckless.
The novel explores the psychological destruction caused by war.
その小説は戦争によって引き起こされる心理的破壊を探求している。
心理的破壊 (shinriteki hakai) - psychological destruction.
We must not allow short-term economic gains to destroy long-term environmental sustainability.
短期的な経済的利益が長期的な環境持続可能性を破壊することを許してはならない。
持続可能性 (jizoku kanōsei) - sustainability.
The artist's intention was to destroy conventional notions of beauty.
その芸術家の意図は、美の従来の概念を破壊することだった。
従来の概念 (jūrai no gainen) - conventional notions.
The ongoing conflict threatens to destroy the fragile peace process.
進行中の紛争は、脆弱な平和プロセスを破壊する恐れがある。
脆弱な (zeijaku na) - fragile; 平和プロセス (heiwa purosesu) - peace process.
The unchecked proliferation of nuclear weapons poses an existential threat, capable of destroying civilization as we know it.
核兵器の抑制されない拡散は、我々が知る文明を破壊しかねない実存的脅威をもたらす。
核兵器 (kakuheiki) - nuclear weapons; 実存的脅威 (jitsuzonteki kyōi) - existential threat.
The relentless pursuit of profit has led to the systematic destruction of natural habitats.
利益の絶え間ない追求は、自然生息地の体系的な破壊につながっている。
体系的な (taikeiteki na) - systematic; 生息地 (seisokuchi) - habitat.
His philosophical treatise aimed to dismantle and destroy established paradigms.
彼の哲学的論文は、確立されたパラダイムを解体し破壊することを目的としていた。
パラダイム (paradaimu) - paradigm; 解体する (kaitai suru) - dismantle.
The digital revolution has irrevocably destroyed old industries while creating new ones.
デジタル革命は、新しい産業を創出する一方で、古い産業を不可逆的に破壊した。
不可逆的に (fukagyaku teki ni) - irrevocably.
We must guard against the insidious forces that seek to destroy social cohesion.
社会的結束を破壊しようとする陰湿な力に対して警戒しなければならない。
社会的結束 (shakaiteki kesshu) - social cohesion; 陰湿な (inshitsu na) - insidious.
The narrative deliberately subverts and destroys audience expectations.
その物語は、意図的に観客の期待を覆し、破壊する。
Subvert (覆す - kuudasu) is often paired with destroy in literary analysis.
Environmental degradation is destroying the delicate balance of biodiversity.
環境悪化は、生物多様性の繊細なバランスを破壊している。
生物多様性 (seibutsu tayōsei) - biodiversity; 繊細なバランス (sensai na baransu) - delicate balance.
The regime's propaganda machine worked to destroy any semblance of dissent.
その政権のプロパガンダ機関は、いかなる反対意見の兆候も破壊するために機能した。
政権 (seiken) - regime; 兆候 (chōkō) - semblance/sign.
The unchecked pursuit of technological singularity risks the ontological destruction of human consciousness.
技術的特異点への抑制されない追求は、人間の意識の存在論的破壊のリスクを伴う。
技術的特異点 (gijutsuteki tokuiten) - technological singularity; 存在論的 (sonzaironteki) - ontological.
Colonialism enacted a profound cultural destruction, erasing indigenous languages and traditions.
植民地主義は、先住民の言語や伝統を消し去る、深刻な文化的破壊を実行した。
植民地主義 (shokuminchi shugi) - colonialism; 先住民 (senjūmin) - indigenous people.
The thermodynamical tendency towards entropy can be seen as a universal principle of gradual destruction.
エントロピーへの熱力学的な傾向は、漸進的な破壊の普遍的原理と見なすことができる。
熱力学的 (netsuryoku-teki) - thermodynamical; 漸進的な (zenshin-teki na) - gradual.
Existentialist philosophy grapples with the potential for self-destruction inherent in human freedom.
実存主義哲学は、人間の自由に伴う自己破壊の可能性と格闘する。
実存主義 (jitsuzon shugi) - existentialism; 自己破壊 (jiko hakai) - self-destruction.
The novel's climax depicts the symbolic destruction of the protagonist's former self to achieve rebirth.
その小説のクライマックスは、再生を達成するための主人公のかつての自己の象徴的な破壊を描いている。
象徴的な (shōchōteki na) - symbolic; 再生 (saisei) - rebirth.
The relentless march of time inevitably leads to the decay and destruction of all material things.
時間の容赦ない進展は、必然的にすべての物質的なものの衰退と破壊につながる。
容赦ない (yōsha nai) - relentless; 衰退 (suitai) - decay.
The deliberate manipulation of historical narratives can lead to the destruction of collective memory.
歴史的物語の意図的な操作は、集合的記憶の破壊につながる可能性がある。
集合的記憶 (shūgōteki kioku) - collective memory.
His radical art sought to provoke by confronting viewers with the visceral destruction of societal norms.
彼の過激な芸術は、社会規範の生々しい破壊を鑑賞者に突きつけることで、挑発しようとした。
生々しい (namanamashii) - visceral; 挑発する (chōhatsu suru) - provoke.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"粉々に破壊する (konagona ni hakai suru)"
To destroy something into tiny pieces; to smash to smithereens.
彼は怒って、その彫刻を粉々に破壊した。(Kare wa okotte, sono chōkoku o konagona ni hakai shita.) - In anger, he smashed the sculpture into pieces.
neutral"根こそぎ破壊する (ne koso gi hakai suru)"
To destroy completely, from the roots up; total eradication.
その病気は農場全体を根こそぎ破壊した。(Sono byōki wa nōjō zentai o ne koso gi hakai shita.) - The disease destroyed the entire farm, root and stem.
neutral"破壊活動 (hakai katsudō)"
Destructive activities; sabotage; acts of vandalism.
政府は破壊活動を取り締まっている。(Seifu wa hakai katsudō o torishimatte iru.) - The government is cracking down on destructive activities.
formal"自滅行為 (jimetsu kōi)"
Self-destructive behavior or act.
ギャンブル依存は自滅行為になりうる。(Gyanburu izon wa jimetsu kōi ni nariuru.) - Gambling addiction can become a self-destructive act.
formal"破壊神 (haikaishin)"
God of destruction (often referring to Shiva in Hinduism or similar deities in fiction).
多くの神話には破壊神が登場する。(Ōku no shinwa ni wa haikaishin ga tōjō suru.) - Many myths feature a god of destruction.
literary/mythological"破壊的な (hakai-teki na)"
Destructive (adjective form).
その事故は破壊的な結果をもたらした。(Sono jiko wa hakai-teki na kekka o motarashita.) - The accident brought about destructive consequences.
neutralEasily Confused
Both mean 'to break' or 'destroy'.
壊す is more general and can refer to minor damage. 破壊する implies more severe, complete, or systematic destruction.
コップを壊した (kowashita - broke the glass, maybe just a chip). 地震が都市を破壊した (hakai shita - earthquake destroyed the city, complete ruin).
Both mean 'to destroy'.
滅ぼす is typically used for larger entities like nations, civilizations, or species (annihilation), carrying a more profound sense of doom.
国を滅ぼす (kuni o horobosu - destroy a country). 建物 を 破壊する (tatemono o hakai suru - destroy a building).
Both can involve taking something apart.
解体する specifically means to dismantle, take apart, or disassemble, often used for structures or machines in a planned way. 破壊する is more about causing ruin or demolition.
古い家を解体する (kaitai suru - dismantle an old house). 爆弾が橋を破壊した (bakudan ga hashi o hakai shita - bomb destroyed the bridge).
Both can mean 'to ruin'.
台無しにする is often used for ruining plans, opportunities, or someone's mood/day. 破壊する is usually more physical or implies a more fundamental breakdown.
計画を台無しにする (keikaku o dainashi ni suru - ruin the plan). 計画を破壊する (keikaku o hakai suru - might imply sabotaging the core structure of the plan).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + を + 破壊する
彼らは古い城を破壊した。(Kare-ra wa furui shiro o hakai shita.) - They destroyed the old castle.
Noun + が + 破壊する
台風が港を破壊した。(Taifū ga minato o hakai shita.) - The typhoon destroyed the port.
Noun + を + 破壊 + する + 恐れがある
この薬は肝臓を破壊する恐れがある。(Kono kusuri wa kanzō o hakai suru osore ga aru.) - This medicine carries the risk of destroying the liver.
Noun + を + 粉々に + 破壊する
彼は怒って、その絵を粉々に破壊した。(Kare wa okotte, sono e o konagona ni hakai shita.) - In anger, he destroyed the painting into pieces.
Noun + の + 破壊 + に + つながる
森林伐採は生態系の破壊につながる。(Shinrin bassai wa seitaikei no hakai ni tsunagaru.) - Deforestation leads to the destruction of ecosystems.
Word Family
Nouns
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
7/10 (Common, especially in news and serious contexts)
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
破壊する implies significant, often irreversible damage. For a small scratch or crack, 壊す is more appropriate.
While both mean destroy, 滅ぼす has a grander, often existential scale, whereas 破壊する can be more general or physical.
Forgetting the を particle is a common mistake for learners when using transitive verbs like 破壊する.
While 破壊する can be used figuratively, for ruining a plan or opportunity, other verbs might fit better depending on nuance.
Learners might misplace stress or merge syllables, making it hard to understand.
Tips
Sound Association
Think of 'Hakai-bar' as a place where things get 'destroyed' through wild dancing!
Severity Matters
Remember 破壊する is for significant damage. For small breaks, use 壊す (kowasu).
Impactful Word
This word carries a strong sense of finality. Use it when you want to emphasize complete ruin or demolition.
Particle Power
Don't forget the particle を (o) to mark the object being destroyed!
Syllable Flow
Practice saying 'ha-ka-i-su-ru' smoothly. Avoid stressing any single syllable too heavily.
Abstract vs. Physical
While it can be abstract, ensure it fits the context. Sometimes 台無しにする (dainashi ni suru) is better for 'ruining' plans.
Character Clues
The kanji 破 and 壊 both mean 'break/destroy'. Together, they emphasize complete ruin.
Contextual Learning
Watch news reports or documentaries in Japanese about disasters or historical events. Pay attention to how 破壊する is used.
破壊 vs. 滅ぼす
Think of 破壊する for buildings/objects and 滅ぼす for nations/civilizations.
Journaling Prompt
Write about a fictional scenario where something is destroyed, using 破壊する.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'Hakai-bar' where people go to 'destroy' their stress by dancing wildly!
Visual Association
Picture a building crumbling into dust, with the letters 'H.K.S.R.' (Hakai Suru) written on a falling brick.
Word Web
Challenge
Describe three things you might want to 破壊する (destroy) in a video game, and three things you would never want to 破壊する in real life.
Word Origin
Chinese (Kanji characters)
Original meaning: 破 (break, tear) + 壊 (break, destroy) = destruction
Cultural Context
The act of destruction can be a sensitive topic, especially when related to war, natural disasters, or violence. Use with care and awareness of the context.
In English-speaking cultures, the concept of destruction is often linked to progress (e.g., demolishing old buildings for new ones) or negative events (natural disasters, war). The verb 'destroy' carries significant weight.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Natural Disasters
- 地震が街を破壊した。(Jishin ga machi o hakai shita.) - The earthquake destroyed the city.
- 津波が沿岸部を破壊した。(Tsunami ga enganbu o hakai shita.) - The tsunami destroyed the coastal areas.
- 嵐は多くの家を破壊した。(Arashi wa ōku no ie o hakai shita.) - The storm destroyed many houses.
War and Conflict
- 爆撃は都市を破壊した。(Bakugeki wa toshi o hakai shita.) - The bombing destroyed the city.
- 彼らは敵の基地を破壊した。(Karera wa teki no kichi o hakai shita.) - They destroyed the enemy's base.
- 戦争は文化を破壊する。(Sensō wa bunka o hakai suru.) - War destroys culture.
Construction/Demolition
- 古い建物を破壊する。(Furui tatemono o hakai suru.) - To demolish the old building.
- 安全のために橋を破壊する必要がある。(Anzen no tame ni hashi o hakai suru hitsuyō ga aru.) - It's necessary to destroy the bridge for safety.
- 解体業者か建物を破壊する。(Kaitai gyōsha ga tatemono o hakai suru.) - The demolition company will destroy the building.
Figurative/Abstract
- 彼の言葉は私の自信を破壊した。(Kare no kotoba wa watashi no jishin o hakai shita.) - His words destroyed my confidence.
- 嘘は信頼を破壊する。(Uso wa shinrai o hakai suru.) - Lies destroy trust.
- そのニュースは私の計画を破壊した。(Sono nyūsu wa watashi no keikaku o hakai shita.) - That news destroyed my plans.
Conversation Starters
"What's the most destructive natural disaster you've heard about?"
"If you could magically destroy one problem in the world, what would it be?"
"Have you ever accidentally destroyed something important? What happened?"
"What are your thoughts on demolishing old buildings to make way for new ones?"
"How do you think technology could potentially destroy jobs in the future?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you witnessed significant destruction (e.g., after a storm, construction).
Write a short story about a character who is a 'destroyer' - what do they destroy and why?
Reflect on something abstract (like trust, hope, or a plan) that was destroyed. How did it feel?
Imagine you have the power to destroy something negative in society. What would it be and what would replace it?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions破壊する generally implies a more severe, complete, or systematic destruction, often leading to ruin. 壊す is a more general term for breaking or damaging something, and can range from minor damage to significant breakage.
Yes, it can be used figuratively for abstract concepts like 'destroying trust', 'ruining plans', or 'annihilating hope'. However, other verbs might be more common for certain abstract uses, like 台無しにする (dainashi ni suru) for ruining plans.
It's generally a neutral to formal term. It's not inherently impolite, but it describes a negative action. You wouldn't typically use it in very casual, lighthearted situations unless the context warrants it.
Common antonyms include 作る (tsukuru - to make/create), 修復する (shūfuku suru - to repair/restore), and 建設する (kensetsu suru - to construct/build).
The noun form is 破壊者 (haikaisha).
That would be 破壊力 (hakairyoku).
Yes, very often. News reports about earthquakes, tsunamis, or wars frequently use 破壊する to describe the damage caused.
While technically possible, it's more common to use 骨折する (kossetsu suru - to fracture/break a bone) or 骨を折る (hone o oru - to break a bone).
Test Yourself
友達がおもちゃを＿＿＿＿＿しまった。
壊して (kowashite) is the most natural verb for accidentally breaking a toy.
Which sentence means 'The storm destroyed the house'?
破壊した (hakai shita) implies a more complete destruction than 壊した (kowashita).
破壊する can be used figuratively to mean ruining someone's plans.
Yes, it can be used figuratively, like 'His actions destroyed our plan.'
Word
Meaning
These are common nouns that can be the object of 破壊する.
The correct order is Subject + Object + Particle + Verb: 地震が都市を破壊した。(Jishin ga toshi o hakai shita.) - The earthquake destroyed the city.
環境破壊は、将来世代のために＿＿＿＿＿べきではない。
The sentence implies 'Environmental destruction should not be done', making 破壊すべき (hakai subeki - should destroy) the logical (though negative) fit in the structure, implying 'we should not do destructive things to the environment'.
Which phrase best describes the destruction of a civilization?
文明を滅ぼす (bunmei o horobosu) specifically refers to the destruction of a civilization, a larger scale than the other options.
The phrase 粉々に破壊する emphasizes the complete disintegration of an object.
粉々に (konagona ni) means 'into pieces', so this phrase emphasizes that aspect of destruction.
unchecked nuclear proliferation poses an existential threat, capable of destroying civilization.
This sentence translates the English prompt accurately, using appropriate vocabulary like 抑制されない (uncontrolled) and 実存的脅威 (existential threat).
Create a sentence using 破壊する about ruining someone's reputation.
Example: 彼の嘘は彼女の評判を破壊した。(Kare no uso wa kanojo no hyōban o hakai shita.) - His lies destroyed her reputation.
Score: /10
Summary
Use 破壊する when you mean serious destruction, not just a small break.
- 破壊する (hakai suru) means to destroy, demolish, or ruin.
- It implies significant, often irreversible damage.
- Used for both physical objects and abstract concepts.
- Requires the particle を (o) for the object being destroyed.
Sound Association
Think of 'Hakai-bar' as a place where things get 'destroyed' through wild dancing!
Severity Matters
Remember 破壊する is for significant damage. For small breaks, use 壊す (kowasu).
Impactful Word
This word carries a strong sense of finality. Use it when you want to emphasize complete ruin or demolition.
Particle Power
Don't forget the particle を (o) to mark the object being destroyed!
Example
建物は地震で破壊された。
Related Content
More geography words
夜景
A2A night view, typically of a city or landscape.
あちこち
A2Here and there, all over, or various places.
〜沿って
A2Along, parallel to; following a path or line.
〜を横切って
A2Across (a street, river, or area).
離れる
A2To move away from or be separated from something.
〜を越えて
B1Across or over (a boundary or obstacle).
〜通って
A2Through, via; passing through a place.
近くに
A2Nearby, in the vicinity, or close to.
沿う
A2To follow along (a road, river, or coast).
周りに
A2Around, surrounding, or in the vicinity of.
