破

JLPT N3

Break, tear

Readings

On’yomi: ハ (ha)

Kun’yomi: やぶ(る), やぶ(れる) (yabu(ru), yabu(reru))

• やぶ(る) – to tear, to break, to destroy • やぶ(れる) – to be torn, to be broken, to be defeated

Structure

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Composition: Purchase the course for full access of this content.

Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

破る

やぶる

tear

破壊

はかい

destruction

破産

はさん

bankruptcy

突破

とっぱ

breakthrough

破片

はへん

fragment

Example Sentences

約束を破ります。

やくそくをやぶります。

I break a promise.

建物を破壊します。

たてものをはかいします。

They destroy the building.

破産します。

はさんします。

He goes bankrupt.

壁を突破します。

かべをとっぱします。

They break through the wall.

破片が飛びます。

はへんがとびます。

Fragments fly.

Cultural Note

🧩 破 carries deep moral and philosophical nuance in Japanese culture.
• It appears in the Zen concept 守破離 (しゅはり) — “obey, break, transcend.”
→ 守 (shu): follow the rules
→ 破 (ha): break the rules (after mastering them)
→ 離 (ri): transcend and innovate
This illustrates how “破” symbolizes creative transformation, not just destruction.
• In daily life, 破 is also used figuratively — such as 破局 (はきょく), meaning a breakup or collapse (of a relationship or situation).