[JLPT grammar] Don’t use 壊(こわ)れる for windows

Today I am going to share the homework correction quoted from my JLPT course!
The student’s sentence is not correct. Can you find the mistake?

 

[Student’s sentence]

ボールが当たって、まどが壊れました。

*ぼーるがあたって、まどがこわれました。

 



 

[My correction]

ボールが当たって、まどが壊れました。
→ ボールが当たって、まどが割(わ)れました
The ball hit the window, and the window broke.

 

壊れる is used when machines or functional objects break and lose their function, while 割れる is used for fragile things when hard objects break into multiple parts when force is applied.

Windows are fragile things, so you should use 割れる with it.

 

e.g.
たまごが割れる
an egg breaks

皿(さら)が割れる
A plate breaks

電子(でんし)レンジが壊れる
A microwave breaks

パソコンが壊れる
A computer breaks

 

I hope my explanation helps you. 😊

 

The above correction is just a taste of what my JLPT all-in-one course has to offer (today’s is from the N4).

Our course provides detailed Japanese grammar explanations and personalized feedback on your homework submissions to help you master the language. With homework assignments included in each lesson, you’ll have ample opportunities to practice and improve your skills. Enroll now to receive easy-to-understand support and start your journey towards fluency.

 

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