壊す

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 壊す is read as こわす and means “to break” and “to damage”.
• Basic usage: It describes accidentally breaking a vase and risking damage to a machine by forcing it.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Key distinction: 壊れる
  • Both a shattered object and a damaged machine are transitive objects. Contrast intransitive 壊れる for something breaking on its own.