破壊
hakai[ha̠ka̠i]
The English word destruction can be translated into Japanese as 破壊 (hakai). Wiktionary also lists 破棄 (haki) and 湮滅 (inmetsu).
Meaning: act of destroying (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 破壊 | hakai | [ha̠ka̠i] (narrow) |
| 破棄 | haki | [ha̠kʲi] (narrow) |
| 湮滅 | inmetsu |
破壊 is the most common and general term for the act of destroying something physically.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on what is being destroyed. 破壊 is used for the physical destruction of objects, structures or systems. In contrast, 破棄 is used for the destruction of documents, data or the cancellation of contracts and rights. Finally, 湮滅 is a more formal or literary term used to describe complete annihilation or being wiped out from existence.
How do you pronounce it?
hakai
Did you know?
- The character 破 in 破壊 and 破棄 is also used to describe 'breaking' a record in sports or 'breaking' a silence.
- While 'destruction' in English is often a negative concept, in certain Japanese contexts like 'artistic destruction', it can imply a creative deconstruction.
- In the word 破棄, the character 棄 is a 'daiyōji', meaning it is a substitute character used to replace the more complex 毀.
Examples in context
- 書類の破棄を命じた。They ordered the destruction of documents.This sentence is useful for learning how to use 破棄 regarding the destruction of documents.
- この建物は自然災害による破壊に遭った。This building has been destroyed by a natural disaster.
- 戦争は多くの国々に破壊をもたらした。War brought destruction to many countries.
- 彼の行動は社会の秩序に対する破壊的な影響を持っている。His actions have a destructive impact on social order.
- 彼女の欠席により、計画は壊滅的な失敗に終わった。Due to her absence, the plan ended in utter failure.
- あの大地震は町を壊滅させた。That major earthquake devastated the town.
- 自然の破壊は深刻な問題だ。Shizen no hakai wa shinkoku na mondai da.The destruction of nature is a serious problem.
- 嵐による街の破壊は激しかった。Arashi ni yoru machi no hakai wa hageshikatta.The destruction of the town by the storm was intense.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a documentary about the environment.
- 結衣 Yuiあの映画は自然の破壊を描いていたね。Ano eiga wa shizen no hakai o egaite ita ne.That movie depicted the destruction of nature, didn't it?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、すごく考えさせられる内容だった。Un, sugoku kangaesaserareru naiyou datta.Yeah, the content really made me think.
- 結衣 Yui陽太君はどう思った？Youta-kun wa dou omotta?What did you think, Yota?
- 陽太 Yota環境を守る大切さを痛感したよ。Kankyou o mamoru taisetsusa o tsuukan shita yo.I really felt the importance of protecting the environment.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “destruction” translations and entries 破壊, 破棄, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 破棄, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
