crush · collapse

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 潰 has 15 strokes and concerns crushing something or losing shape or function.
• Basic usage: 潰す is read つぶす, and 潰れる is read つぶれる.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Crushing something and being crushed
  • 空き缶を足で潰す means crushing an empty can underfoot.
  • 果物が重みで潰れた means that fruit was crushed by the weight.
• Uses with time and a shop
  • 待ち時間を潰す means killing time while waiting.
  • このままでは店が潰れる means that the shop will go out of business if things continue this way.