破壊

• Reading: はかい
• Romaji: hakai
• Kanji breakdown: 破 (ha) — break, tear; 壊 (kai) — break down, collapse
• Pronunciation: /ha.kai/

Meaning

Destruction; the act of breaking or demolishing something completely.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (破壊する, to destroy). Used for physical demolition, environmental damage, and metaphorical destruction of systems, relationships, or trust. A powerful word common in news, science, and literature. Related compounds include 破壊的 (destructive) and 破壊力 (destructive power).

Examples

1. 台風で多くの建物が破壊された。 Many buildings were destroyed by the typhoon.
2. 戦争は人々の生活を破壊する。 War destroys people's lives.
3. 環境破壊を止めるために行動しなければならない。 We must take action to stop environmental destruction.

Usage Guide

Context: disasters, war, environment, news

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 破 (ha, to break/tear) + 壊 (kai, to break down/collapse). Both characters convey breaking, reinforcing the totality of destruction.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal