Meaning and Usage
The verb 潰す (つぶす) primarily means "to crush" or "to smash" something physically, like a can or a bug. It also commonly means "to waste" or "to kill" time, implying spending time unproductively. Additionally, it can be used figuratively to mean "to crush" or "to defeat" an idea, plan, or proposal.
Common Collocations
- 缶を潰す: to crush a can (literal physical action)
- 時間を潰す: to kill or waste time (common idiomatic expression)
- 夢を潰す: to crush a dream (figurative, to destroy hopes)
- 計画を潰す: to ruin or cancel a plan
Register and Nuance
潰す is a casual to neutral verb used in everyday conversation. It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. When talking about wasting time, it often implies a somewhat negative or regretful nuance. When used figuratively about ideas or plans, it suggests strong opposition or failure.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 潰す with 割る (わる), which also means "to break." 潰す implies crushing something flat or destroying it completely, while 割る usually means to break something into pieces, like glass. Use 潰す for smashing or flattening, and 割る for breaking apart.
Understanding these nuances will help you use 潰す naturally in various contexts.