折れる

• Reading: おれる
• Romaji: oreru
• Kanji breakdown: 折 (setsu/o) — break, fold, turn
• Pronunciation: /o.ɾe.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To break; to snap; to be folded. Also means to give in or to turn a corner.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb. The intransitive pair of 折る (to break/fold, transitive). Describes something breaking or snapping on its own, bending or folding, yielding in an argument, or turning at a corner. Very versatile in everyday use.

Examples

1. 台風で庭の木の枝が折れてしまった。 A tree branch in the yard snapped because of the typhoon.
2. 次の角を右に折れると、駅が見えます。 If you turn right at the next corner, you'll see the station.
3. 彼は最後に折れて、私の意見に賛成した。 He finally gave in and agreed with my opinion.

Usage Guide

Context: accidents, directions, negotiations

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 折 depicts a hand (扌) cutting or breaking something at a joint. The intransitive form れる indicates the action happening on its own.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal