割れる

• Reading: われる
• Romaji: wareru
• Kanji breakdown: 割 (katsu/wa) — divide, cut, break, proportion
• Pronunciation: /wa.ɾe.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To break; to crack; to split apart. Used when something breaks on its own or wears out.

A Group 2 (ichidan) intransitive verb. The intransitive counterpart of 割る. Used when something breaks without a specified agent — glass shatters, opinions split, or surfaces crack. Common expressions include 意見が割れる (opinions are divided) and ガラスが割れる (glass breaks).

Examples

1. 地震でガラスが割れた。 The glass broke in the earthquake.
2. この問題について意見が割れている。 Opinions are divided on this issue.
3. 古い花瓶にひびが入って割れそうだ。 The old vase has a crack and looks like it's about to break.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, discussion, accidents

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Intransitive form derived from 割る (waru, to break). The kanji 割 combines 害 (harm) and 刂 (knife radical), with the intransitive form expressing spontaneous breaking.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal