How to say "wreck" in Japanese

• 滅ぼすほろぼすJLPT N1approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbCovers 'wreck' in the sense of destroying or overthrowing something entirely — a nation, a family, an institution. It implies complete downfall rather than physical damage, so it is far too heavy for wrecking a car or a plan.
  核兵器かくへいきはわが地球ちきゅうを滅ほろぼすと思おもう。↗

  We think nuclear weapons will destroy our earth.
• 損ねるそこねるCommon
  ichidan verb, transitive verbCovers 'wreck' in the sense of harming or spoiling something — wrecking one's health, chances, or a relationship. The damage is impairment rather than physical destruction, and the thing wrecked is usually left damaged, not demolished.
  彼かれは機嫌きげんをそこねている。↗

  He is in an angry mood.
• 壊すこわすJLPT N4approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbThis is the everyday word for wrecking a physical object — breaking a car, a machine, or furniture. Use it whenever 'wreck' means smashing or damaging something concrete; it also covers 'ruin' and 'spoil' in the same concrete vein.
• 形骸けいがいCommon
  nounA noun, not a verb, and a marginal match: it means the empty framework, skeleton or remains left after something has lost its substance. It is really 'shell' or 'hollow remnant' — seldom the word you want to express the act of wrecking.

For destroying objects use 「壊す」; for ruining health, plans or relationships use 「損ねる」; 「滅ぼす」 is for overthrowing people, families or nations; 形骸 names a mere shell or remains, not the act of wrecking.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 滅ぼすほろぼすto destroy
• 損ねるそこねるto harm
• 残骸ざんがいruins
• 壊すこわすto wreck
• 潰すつぶすto wreck
• 形骸けいがいframework (of a building, etc.)
• ぶち壊すぶちこわすto ruin (a plan, atmosphere, etc.)
• 打ち壊すうちこわすto ruin (e.g. a plan)
• ぶっ潰すぶっつぶすto ruin (a plan, company, etc.)
• ぶっ壊すぶっこわすto ruin (a plan, atmosphere, etc.)