打ち砕く

• Reading: うちくだく
• Romaji: uchikudaku
• Kanji breakdown: 打 (da/u) — strike, hit; 砕 (sai/kuda) — crush, shatter, grind
• Pronunciation: /ɯ.tɕi.kɯ.da.kɯ/

Meaning

To smash; to shatter; to crush completely. Used both literally for breaking objects and figuratively for destroying hopes, barriers, or opposition.

A Group 1 (godan) compound verb combining 打つ (utsu, to strike) and 砕く (kudaku, to break into pieces). The compound intensifies the destructive force: not merely striking but obliterating. Figuratively it is used for shattering prejudice, dashing dreams, or overcoming obstacles through decisive action. The figurative use is more common than the literal in contemporary written Japanese.

Examples

1. 長年の努力が実を結び、彼はあらゆる偏見を打ち砕いた。 Years of effort bore fruit, and he shattered every prejudice.
2. 突然の解雇通告が彼女の夢を無残に打ち砕いた。 The sudden notice of dismissal cruelly crushed her dreams.
3. 証拠を提示することで相手の主張を打ち砕くことができた。 By presenting evidence, he was able to demolish the opponent's argument.

Usage Guide

Context: achievement, conflict, debate, literature

Tone: forceful

Origin & History

Compound of 打つ (utsu, to strike, from Old Japanese) and 砕く (kudaku, to crush/shatter). The 打ち prefix amplifies 砕く with the force of a blow, suggesting deliberate, powerful destruction rather than gradual disintegration.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal