collapse

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 崩 conveys collapsing; its kun-readings are くずれる and くずす.
• Basic usage: 崩れる(くずれる) means to collapse or become disrupted, while 崩す(くずす) means to knock something down or break a bill into smaller denominations.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Collapsing, knocking something down, and getting change
  • 崩れる is used for part of a stone wall collapsing or a work schedule becoming disrupted. 崩す describes acting on an object, as when a child knocks down a tower of blocks.
  • 千円札を崩す means to get change for a one-thousand-yen bill. Here 崩す does not mean physically destroying the bill.