Translation guide
The English phrasal verb "break into" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: forcibly entering a place, suddenly starting an action (like running or laughing), beginning to succeed in a field, and interrupting something. Each meaning has different natural Japanese equivalents.
To gain entry by force, often illegally, such as a burglar breaking into a house or car.
The most common verb for breaking into a building with intent to commit a crime. Often used in news reports.
昨夜、泥棒が家に押し入った。
A burglar broke into the house last night.
A more formal term for illegal entry or trespassing. Used in legal contexts.
犯人は窓から侵入した。
The criminal broke in through the window.
To pry open or force open a door, window, or lock. Emphasizes the physical action of breaking the lock or barrier.
誰かがドアをこじ開けようとした跡がある。
There are signs that someone tried to break the door open.
Literally 'break and enter'. Used when physically breaking something (like a door) to get in.
消防士はドアを破って入った。
The firefighters broke down the door and entered.
To begin an action abruptly and often involuntarily.
A general pattern: 'suddenly start ~ing'. Replace 〜 with the verb stem. Natural for many sudden actions.
彼は突然走り始めた。
He broke into a run.
観客が突然拍手し始めた。
The audience broke into applause.
Similar to 突然〜し始める but more colloquial. 〜し出す emphasizes the sudden onset.
彼女はいきなり笑い出した。
She broke into laughter.
Used when a facial expression or state changes suddenly. For example, 'break into a smile'.
彼の顔が笑顔に変わった。
His face broke into a smile.
To enter and start becoming successful in a competitive area, like show business or a new market.
Literally 'step into the world of ~'. A natural way to say 'break into' a field like entertainment or publishing.
彼女はなかなか芸能界に足を踏み入れられなかった。
She couldn't break into show business for a long time.
Formal term for entering a market, used in business contexts.
その会社はアジア市場に参入しようとしている。
The company is trying to break into the Asian market.
Means 'achieve success in ~'. Can be used when someone finally breaks into a field and succeeds.
彼は苦労の末、映画界で成功を収めた。
After much hardship, he broke into the film industry and succeeded.
To suddenly start speaking while someone else is talking, or to interrupt an ongoing process.
To cut into a conversation. Often used when someone interrupts rudely or abruptly.
彼は私の話に割り込んだ。
He broke into our conversation.
To interject or butt in. Slightly less forceful than 割り込む, can be used for adding a comment.
彼女が突然口を挟んだ。
She suddenly broke into the discussion.
The English 'break into' is a phrasal verb with multiple meanings. Directly translating 'break' and 'into' separately (e.g., 壊して中に入る) is usually unnatural. Always choose the Japanese expression that matches the intended meaning.
押し入る implies breaking in with force and often with criminal intent (robbery). 侵入する is a broader term for unlawful entry, including sneaking in without breaking anything. Use 押し入る for burglaries, 侵入する for trespassing or hacking.