Meaning and Usage
The word 破産 (はさん) specifically refers to bankruptcy, typically in a financial or legal context. It is used when a person or a business cannot pay their debts and is declared insolvent.
Common Contexts
破産 is often used in news reports, legal discussions, and business conversations. It can describe personal bankruptcy or corporate bankruptcy.
Collocations and Patterns
- 破産する: to go bankrupt
- 破産手続き: bankruptcy proceedings
- 破産宣告: declaration of bankruptcy
These collocations are common in formal or semi-formal contexts, especially in legal or financial settings.
Nuances
Using 破産 implies a serious financial failure and legal consequences. It is not used casually for minor financial troubles.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 破産 with 倒産 (とうさん), which means corporate bankruptcy or business failure. 破産 can apply to individuals as well as companies, while 倒産 is more specific to companies.