to break vs go rotten in Korean

깨뜨리다vs상하다

to break

깨뜨리다to break

The word "to break" (깨뜨리다) means to damage something so it cracks or breaks into pieces. You use it for things like cups, windows, plates, or bottles when a person causes the damage. It is common in everyday situations, especially when something is broken by accident.

When to use to break
go rotten

상하다go rotten

(상하다) means that food is no longer fresh and has gone bad or rotten. Korean speakers often use it for things like milk, meat, fruit, or lunch boxes. You can use it when food smells bad, looks bad, or is not safe to eat.

When to use go rotten

How they differ

to break (깨뜨리다) and go rotten (상하다) are nearby Korean vocabulary items learners often meet together. Use “to break” when The word "to break" (깨뜨리다) means to damage something so it cracks or breaks into pieces. You use it for things like cups, windows, plates… Use “go rotten” when (상하다) means that food is no longer fresh and has gone bad or rotten. Korean speakers often use it for things like milk, meat, fruit, or l…