Translation guide
Describes something broken into fragments, torn apart, or divided into parts. Covers physical breakage, emotional devastation, and figurative disintegration.
Describe an object that has shattered, snapped, or broken into multiple pieces.
Adverb/noun meaning 'smashed to bits' or 'in tiny pieces'. Often used with に and verbs like 壊れる (break) or 砕ける (shatter).
花瓶が床に落ちて粉々になった。
The vase fell on the floor and broke into pieces.
Adverb/noun meaning 'in separate pieces' or 'scattered'. Used for things that come apart into distinct parts, not necessarily tiny fragments.
おもちゃがバラバラになった。
The toy came apart into pieces.
Adverb/noun meaning 'in a mess' or 'smashed up'. Can imply destruction or disorder. Casual.
車が事故でめちゃめちゃになった。
The car was smashed to pieces in the accident.
Adverb meaning 'torn to shreds' or 'cut to pieces'. Often used for cloth, paper, or metaphorically for feelings.
手紙をずたずたに破った。
I tore the letter into pieces.
Express that someone is emotionally devastated, heartbroken, or falling apart.
Literally 'heart breaks'. Means to be emotionally crushed or lose spirit. Common in modern Japanese.
彼に振られて心が折れた。
I was heartbroken when he dumped me.
Adverb meaning 'worn out' or 'falling apart', used for both physical and emotional states. Can describe crying uncontrollably.
彼女はぼろぼろ泣いていた。
She was crying her eyes out, completely falling apart.
Passive verb meaning 'to be knocked down' or 'devastated'. Stronger, more dramatic.
その知らせに打ちのめされた。
I was shattered by the news.
Describe something that has been separated into sections, pieces, or installments.
Te-form of 分割する (divide). Used for splitting payments, tasks, data, etc. into parts.
支払いを分割してください。
Please pay in installments.
To divide into small portions. Common for food, supplies, or tasks.
肉を小分けにして冷凍した。
I divided the meat into pieces and froze them.
Describe a plan, relationship, or system that is disintegrating or in chaos.
Adverb/noun meaning 'messy' or 'in shambles'. Used for plans, rooms, or situations.
計画がぐちゃぐちゃになった。
The plan fell apart.
Verb meaning 'collapse' or 'crumble'. Formal, used for systems, organizations, or relationships.
彼らの関係は崩壊した。
Their relationship fell apart.
Do not directly translate 'in pieces' as 「ピースで」 or 「部分で」. These sound unnatural. Use the appropriate Japanese expression based on context.
粉々 implies tiny fragments like powder or shards. バラバラ implies separate, often larger pieces that can be reassembled. Use 粉々 for glass, ceramics; バラバラ for toys, furniture, or scattered items.