崩れる

• Reading: くずれる
• Romaji: kuzureru
• Kanji breakdown: 崩 (hō/kuzu) — to collapse, crumble
• Pronunciation: /kɯ.zɯ.ɾe.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To collapse; to crumble; to break down; to deteriorate. Describes physical or abstract structures losing their integrity.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb, the intransitive counterpart of 崩す (kuzusu, to topple or demolish). Used literally for cliffs, buildings, or piles of objects collapsing, and figuratively for plans, relationships, composure, or social order breaking down. Particularly common in weather contexts — 天気が崩れる (the weather deteriorates) — and in negotiation breakdowns.

Examples

1. 大雨の影響で山の斜面が崩れた。 The mountainside collapsed due to the heavy rain.
2. 長年保ってきた信頼関係がついに崩れてしまった。 The trust they had maintained for years finally crumbled.
3. 夕方から天気が崩れる予報が出ている。 The forecast says the weather will deteriorate starting in the evening.

Usage Guide

Context: weather, construction, relationships, negotiations

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Derived from 崩す (kuzusu). The kanji 崩 depicts a mountain (山) with a collapsing structure beneath, vividly capturing the downward movement of collapse.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal