Translation and Meaning of: ブレーキ - bure-ki

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word ブレーキ (bure-ki) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: bure-ki

Kana: ブレーキ

Type: noun

L: jlpt-n3

ブレーキ

Translation / Meaning: a brake

Meaning in English: a brake

Definition: A device used to make a vehicle, such as a car, stop suddenly.

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Explanation and Etymology - (ブレーキ) bure-ki

The word 「ブレーキ」 (burēki) is a gairaigo derived from the English "brake". In modern Japanese, it is used to refer to the braking system or mechanism in vehicles, machines, and other equipment. Written in katakana, 「ブレーキ」 retains the pronunciation adapted to Japanese phonetics and is an essential word in the vocabulary related to mechanics and transportation.

In everyday contexts, 「ブレーキ」 often appears in phrases like 「ブレーキを踏む」 (burēki o fumu), which means "to step on the brake." It is also used to describe advanced safety systems, as in 「自動ブレーキ」 (jidō burēki), "automatic brake," which is present in modern vehicles equipped with driver assistance technologies.

In addition to its literal use, 「ブレーキ」 can also be used metaphorically to describe the idea of stopping or slowing something down, as in 「計画にブレーキがかかる」 (keikaku ni burēki ga kakaru), which means "the plan was slowed down." This extended use demonstrates how the term has been assimilated beyond its original mechanical context.

Historically, “ブレーキ” was introduced into the Japanese vocabulary during the Meiji period, when Japan began adopting Western technologies, including vehicles and industrial machines. The word quickly became common with the popularization of automobiles and other means of transportation in the 20th century, establishing itself as an essential part of both technical and everyday language.

Today, 「ブレーキ」 is widely used and recognized in Japan, both in technical and figurative contexts. Its presence in the vocabulary reflects Japan's continuous interaction with global technologies and its ability to integrate foreign terms into the language in a natural and functional way.