to break vs to break up in Korean

깨뜨리다vs헤어지다

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
to break up

헤어지다to break up

헤어지다 means to end a romantic relationship with someone. It is used when two people stop being a couple. Sometimes it can also mean to say goodbye and go separate ways, but here it usually means "to break up."

When to use to break up

How they differ

to break (깨뜨리다) and to break up (헤어지다) 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 “to break up” when 헤어지다 means to end a romantic relationship with someone. It is used when two people stop being a couple. Sometimes it can also mean to say…