break someone's heart

You use this phrase as a verb. You can say someone broke my heart. You can also say you are heartbroken. It works best when describing serious events. Don't use it for small things like losing your keys. Use it when the emotional impact is heavy. It often follows a breakup or a major betrayal.

Use it when talking to friends about relationships. It is perfect for emotional movies or sad songs. You might use it if a child is deeply disappointed. For example, It broke his heart when the puppy ran away. It is common in texting and casual conversations. Use it when you want to show deep empathy for someone's pain.

Avoid using this in professional business reports. It is too emotional for a formal office setting. Don't use it for minor inconveniences. If a restaurant is out of your favorite cake, you aren't heartbroken. Using it for small things can sound sarcastic or dramatic. If you use it too much, the meaning loses its power. Keep it for the big, heavy moments in life.

English speakers view the heart as the home of love. This idea comes from ancient poetry and songs. In Western culture, a 'broken heart' is a standard way to describe grief. It is so common that there are thousands of songs with this title. It is a universal human experience expressed through this specific metaphor. Even doctors sometimes use the term 'Broken Heart Syndrome' for physical stress caused by grief.

You will often hear people say they are heartbroken. Another common one is heart-wrenching for a sad story. Some people might say my heart is in pieces. If you are the one causing the pain, you are a heartbreaker. This last one is sometimes used playfully for someone very attractive. Just be careful not to actually go around breaking hearts!