Translation guide
The English word 'breaker' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a large wave, a circuit breaker, and a person or thing that breaks something.
Referring to a wave that breaks into foam on the shore or rocks.
A wave that breaks, often used in poetic or descriptive contexts.
砕け波が岩に当たっている。
Breakers are hitting the rocks.
An electrical safety device that interrupts the flow of current.
Someone or something that breaks objects, rules, records, etc.
The loanword ブレーカー only refers to an electrical circuit breaker. For a breaking wave, use 砕け波 or a descriptive phrase.
✕ 海にブレーカーが見える。
Intended: I can see breakers in the sea. (Incorrect)
◯ 海に砕け波が見える。
I can see breakers in the sea.
The crest of a wave, often used when it's breaking. More literary.
白い波頭が立っている。
White breakers are rising.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'breaking wave'. More straightforward than 砕け波.
海岸に砕ける波の音が聞こえる。
I can hear the sound of breakers on the shore.
The standard loanword for an electrical circuit breaker in a home or building.
ブレーカーが落ちた。
The breaker tripped.
ブレーカーを上げてください。
Please flip the breaker back on.
Technical term for a circuit breaker, used in engineering contexts.
この遮断器は高電圧用です。
This breaker is for high voltage.
machine breaker (someone who breaks machines)
A formal term for 'destroyer' or 'breaker', often used in serious contexts.
彼は秩序の破壊者だ。
He is a breaker of order.
In many cases, it's more natural to describe the action rather than use a noun like 'breaker'. For example, 'He is a breaker of promises' becomes 'He often breaks promises'.
彼はよく約束を破る。
He often breaks promises. (He is a promise breaker.)