Translation guide
This guide covers how to express the idea of something physically breaking into pieces, deteriorating, or metaphorically collapsing (plans, relationships, mental state) in Japanese. It is organized by the type of 'falling apart' you want to describe.
Describing objects, structures, or materials that are crumbling, disintegrating, or falling to pieces.
General word for something collapsing, crumbling, or falling apart. Used for buildings, cliffs, piles of things, etc.
Literally 'become scattered/disjointed'. Used when something comes apart into separate pieces, like a machine, toy, or group.
おもちゃがばらばらになった。
The toy fell apart.
To disassemble or break down into components. Often used for machines or technical contexts.
エンジンが分解した。
The engine fell apart.
Describing something that is gradually falling apart due to age, use, or poor condition.
Describes something becoming worn out, tattered, or falling to pieces. Often used for clothes, books, or objects.
この本はぼろぼろになった。
This book is falling apart.
靴がぼろぼろだ。
My shoes are falling apart.
To decay, rot, or crumble. Used for wood, buildings, or organic matter falling apart over time.
古い家が朽ちている。
The old house is falling apart.
Describes something becoming rickety, loose, or shaky, often used for furniture or machinery that is falling apart.
この椅子はがたがただ。
This chair is falling apart.
Describing plans, schedules, organizations, or systems that are failing or falling apart.
Collapse, breakdown. Used for systems, governments, relationships, or plans falling apart completely.
To fail, go bankrupt, or collapse. Often used for financial plans, businesses, or relationships.
彼の計画は破綻した。
His plan fell apart.
To become a mess, chaotic, or ruined. Used for plans, schedules, or situations falling apart informally.
予定がめちゃくちゃになった。
My schedule fell apart.
Describing personal relationships, families, or teams that are falling apart.
To break. Used for relationships, marriages, or friendships falling apart.
二人の関係が壊れた。
Their relationship fell apart.
結婚生活が壊れた。
The marriage fell apart.
To split, divide, or break up. Used for groups, teams, or political parties falling apart.
チームが分裂した。
The team fell apart.
To become awkward, strained, or not smooth. Describes a relationship that is falling apart due to tension.
最近、彼との関係がぎくしゃくしている。
Lately, my relationship with him is falling apart.
Describing a person who is falling apart emotionally or mentally.
To be mentally or physically beaten down, to be at a loss. Often used when someone is falling apart due to stress or hardship.
最近、仕事で参っている。
I'm falling apart because of work lately.
Literally 'mentally collapse'. Used when someone is falling apart psychologically.
彼女は精神的に崩れてしまった。
She fell apart mentally.
Can also describe a person who is emotionally wrecked or falling apart.
失恋して、ぼろぼろだ。
I'm falling apart after the breakup.
The English phrase 'falling apart' is often used metaphorically. Directly translating it word-for-word into Japanese will sound unnatural. Choose the appropriate expression based on the context (physical, mental, relational, etc.).
崩れる (kuzureru) is used for things that crumble or collapse under their own weight or due to structural failure (buildings, cliffs, piles). 壊れる (kowareru) is used for things that break or stop functioning (machines, relationships, bones). For relationships, 壊れる is more common.