Translation and Meaning of: 壊す - kowasu

The Japanese word 壊す[こわす] is an essential verb for anyone learning the language, especially due to its frequent use in everyday life. Its main meanings are "to break," "to destroy," or "to damage," but like many words in Japanese, its usage goes beyond the literal translation. In this article, we will explore everything from the basics, such as writing and pronunciation, to cultural aspects and practical tips for memorization.

If you have ever watched anime or Japanese dramas, you have probably heard this word in situations of conflict or accidents. But does it only appear in negative contexts? How do Japanese people use it in their daily lives? And what is the best way to fix it in your vocabulary? Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide clear answers and reliable information for your learning.

Meaning and usage of 壊す[こわす]

壊す [こわす] is a transitive verb that indicates the action of causing physical damage to something, such as breaking an object or bringing down a structure. However, its use is not limited to literal contexts. In colloquial language, it can express the idea of "ruining" a plan or even "disturbing" an emotional state, as in 気分を壊す (kibun o kowasu), which means "spoiling the mood."

It is interesting to note how Japanese often uses concrete verbs to describe abstract situations. This characteristic appears in expressions like 約束を壊す (yakusoku o kowasu), which we translate as "breaking a promise." The mental image of something being physically destroyed helps convey the seriousness of the action, reflecting cultural values such as the importance of trust.

Writing and components of the kanji 壊

The kanji 壊 is composed of the radical 土 (earth) on the left side, suggesting a relation to physical or material structures. The right side contains the component 褱, which historically represented the idea of "enveloping" or "containing." Together, these elements create the notion of something being undone or losing its original form, consistent with the meaning of the verb.

For those who are learning to write, it's worth noting that 壊す is a group 1 (godan) verb, which means its conjugation follows the -u/-e/-a pattern in the endings. The teinei (polite) form is 壊します (kowashimasu), while the potential form "can break" would be 壊せる (kowaseru). These variations are important for everyday communication.

Cultural contexts and frequency of use

In Japanese culture, where the preservation and care of objects are important values, 壊す (kowasu) carries a generally negative connotation. It is no wonder that expressions like ものを大切に (mono o taisetsu ni - valuing things) are common from childhood. This often causes the verb to appear in warnings or reprimanding situations.

According to the Balanced Corpus of Contemporary Written Japanese, 壊す (kowasu) is among the 3,000 most used verbs in the language, frequently appearing in news about natural disasters, equipment maintenance, or discussions about interpersonal relationships. Its direct antonym, 直す (naosu - to fix), is also quite useful to learn together.