Meaning and Usage
"ブレーキ" primarily refers to the mechanical device used to slow down or stop vehicles and machines. It is a loanword from English "brake" and is commonly used in everyday conversation about cars, bicycles, and other vehicles.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "ブレーキを踏む" (to step on the brake) or "ブレーキをかける" (to apply the brake). The latter can also be used metaphorically to mean "to slow down" or "to stop" an action or plan.
Collocations and Patterns
- ブレーキを踏む: to step on the brake, used when physically pressing the brake pedal.
- ブレーキをかける: to apply the brake, can be literal or figurative (e.g., slowing down a project).
- 急ブレーキ: sudden braking, often used to describe abrupt stops.
Register and Nuance
"ブレーキ" is a neutral term suitable for both casual and formal contexts. When used metaphorically, it often implies caution or restraint.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "ブレーキを踏む" and "ブレーキをかける". The former is more physical and direct, while the latter can be used more broadly, including figurative meanings. Remember that "かける" allows for metaphorical use, while "踏む" is usually literal.