Break it down Meaning in English
expression
ˈbɹeɪk/ /ˈɪt/, /ɪt/ /ˈdaʊn
BRAYK-it-DOWN
bɹˈeɪk/ /ˈɪt/ /dˈaʊn
brayk-it-DOWN
Definition
To explain something step by step or in simple parts. It can also mean to separate something into its basic elements.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and commonly used when asking for or giving simpler explanations, especially for complex topics. Often heard in classrooms, meetings, or tutorials. Can also be used literally in technical or physical contexts ('break it down into parts'). Not usually used in formal writing.
Spanish: explicar (con más detalle) - desglosarPortuguese (BR): explicar (detalhadamente) - decomporPortuguese (PT): explicar (em detalhe) - decomporChinese (Simplified): 分解 - 详细解释Chinese (Traditional): 分解 - 詳細解釋Hindi: आसान भाषा में समझाना - बाँटनाArabic: فسّر بالتفصيل - قسّمBengali: সহজভাবে বোঝানো - অংশে ভাগ করাRussian: объяснить по-простому - разложить на частиJapanese: 分かりやすく説明する - 細かく分けるVietnamese: giải thích từng bước - phân tích raKorean: 쉽게 설명하다 - 나누어 설명하다Turkish: basitleştirerek anlatmak - parçalara ayırmakUrdu: آسان الفاظ میں سمجھانا - حصوں میں تقسیم کرناIndonesian: giải thích đơn giản - phân tích thành phần
Example Sentences
Can you break it down for me?
basic
Let me break it down into smaller steps.
basic
The teacher will break it down so everyone understands.
basic
Let's break it down one step at a time.
natural
Sometimes you have to break it down for younger kids.
natural
If this is confusing, I can break it down further.
natural