Meaning and Usage
The verb 折る (おる) primarily means "to fold" or "to break/snap" something by bending it. It is commonly used with objects like paper, branches, or sticks.
Common Contexts
- Folding paper or cloth: 折る is used when you fold something neatly, such as 折り紙 (origami).
- Breaking objects: It can describe snapping or breaking something physically, like a branch or a stick.
- Figurative use: It can also mean "to break" in a non-physical sense, such as breaking a promise (約束を折る).
Collocations and Patterns
- 紙を折る (to fold paper): very common in daily life, especially with origami or documents.
- 枝を折る (to break a branch): used when describing physical breaking.
- 約束を折る (to break a promise): figurative use, less common but important.
Register and Politeness
折る is a neutral verb and can be used in both casual and polite contexts. When making requests, use the て-form plus ください (折ってください).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 折る with 割る (わる), which also means "to break" but is used for cracking or breaking things like glass or plates. 折る is more about bending and snapping, while 割る is about splitting or shattering.