粉々(こなごな)

こなごな
adverb, na-adjective
in pieces; into fragments; smashed to bits
descriptive
1. in pieces; into fragments; smashed to bits
Describes something being broken or shattered into many small pieces. Used both literally for physical objects and figuratively for things like dreams or hopes.
コップが粉々(こなごな)に割(わ)れた。
The glass shattered into pieces.
落(お)とした皿(さら)が粉々(こなごな)になってしまった。
The plate I dropped was smashed to bits.
長年(ながねん)の夢(ゆめ)が粉々(こなごな)に打(う)ち砕(くだ)かれた気持(きも)ちだった。
I felt as though my long-held dream had been shattered to pieces.

Usage: Almost always appears with the particle に before a verb of breaking:

Na-adjective use: Less common, but possible before a noun:

Formation: A reduplication of 粉(こな) (powder), emphasizing complete fragmentation.

Similar words

  • ばらばら - scattered in pieces; suggests separation rather than shattering
  • めちゃくちゃ - wrecked, in a mess; broader destruction, often figurative

Related Words

Related: 粉(こな) (the base word (powder))
Related: ばらばら (scattered rather than shattered)
Related: 割(わ)れる (the verb it most often modifies)
Compare: めちゃくちゃ (wrecked, in a mess)
general
Added 2026.3.23 12:34 · Revised 2026.9.2 12:02
18500/18766_konagona