Break down Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈbɹeɪk/ /ˈdaʊn

BRAYK-down

UK

bɹˈeɪk/ /dˈaʊn

brAYK-dOWN

Definition

To stop working (especially machines or vehicles), to become unable to cope emotionally, or to separate something into simpler parts.

Usage & Nuances

Can refer to mechanical failure, emotional collapse, or analytical separation. For machines: 'the car broke down'. For emotions: 'She broke down in tears'. Also means analyzing data: 'Let's break down the numbers.' Often used informally in conversation.

• Spanish: averiarse - descomponerse - venirse abajo (emocionalmente)
• Portuguese (BR): quebrar - estragar - desmoronar-se (emocionalmente)
• Portuguese (PT): avariar-se - desmoronar-se - colapsar (emocionalmente)
• Chinese (Simplified): 故障 - 分解 - 崩溃（情绪）
• Chinese (Traditional): 故障 - 分解 - 崩潰（情緒）
• Hindi: खराब होना - टूटना - भावनात्मक रूप से टूट जाना
• Arabic: تعطّل - ينهار (عاطفياً) - يتحلل
• Bengali: ভেঙে পড়া - বিকল হওয়া - বিশ্লেষণ করা
• Russian: сломаться - разразиться (эмоционально) - разложить на части
• Japanese: 故障する - 取り乱す - 分解する
• Vietnamese: hỏng - sụp đổ (tinh thần) - phân tích
• Korean: 고장나다 - 무너져 내리다 - 분석하다
• Turkish: bozulmak - duygusal olarak çökmek - ayrıntılarına ayırmak
• Urdu: خراب ہونا - ٹوٹ جانا - تجزیہ کرنا
• Indonesian: rusak - runtuh secara emosional - menguraikan

Example Sentences

My car broke down on the way to work.

basic

She broke down in tears during the interview.

basic

Can you break down these costs for me?

basic

The negotiations broke down after several hours.

natural

He finally broke down and told us the truth.

natural

Let me break down the process step by step.

natural