Break it to Meaning in English
expression
ˈbɹeɪk/ /ˈɪt/, /ɪt/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ
BRAYK-it-too, BRAYK-it-tuh, BRAYK-it-tih
bɹˈeɪk/ /ˈɪt/ /tˈuː
brayk-IT-TOO
Definition
To gently or carefully tell someone some news, especially if it is bad or could upset them.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used when sharing bad or sensitive news. Often followed by 'someone' (e.g., 'break it to her'). Sounds more gentle than 'tell'. Common with 'How do I...' or 'Sorry to...'. Not used for good news.
Spanish: decirlo - comunicarlo - darle la noticiaPortuguese (BR): contar - dar a notícia - falar paraPortuguese (PT): contar - dar a notícia - dizerChinese (Simplified): 告诉（某人坏消息） - 通知Chinese (Traditional): 告訴（某人壞消息） - 通知Hindi: बताना (अक्सर कोई बुरी खबर) - सूचना देनाArabic: إبلاغ - إخباره (عادةً خبر سيء)Bengali: খবরটি জানানো - খারাপ খবর দেওয়াRussian: сообщить (осторожно) - донести (плохую новость)Japanese: 伝える（悪い知らせを慎重に）Vietnamese: báo tin (một cách nhẹ nhàng)Korean: 조심스럽게 말하다 - 안 좋은 소식을 전하다Turkish: nazikçe söylemek - kötü haberi iletmekUrdu: آہستہ سے خبر دینا - بری خبر سناناIndonesian: menyampaikan (dengan hati-hati) - memberi tahu (berita buruk)
Example Sentences
I don't know how to break it to him that he failed the test.
basic
Can you break it to her gently?
basic
I'll have to break it to my parents tonight.
basic
Sorry to break it to you, but the show is cancelled.
natural
He didn't know how to break it to his team that they lost the contract.
natural
If you don't want to break it to them, I can do it for you.
natural