Meanings of 破
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About 破
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Podcast: 破
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AI Study Notes for 破
破 (pò) vs 坏 (huài): Use 破 when referring specifically to something that is broken or damaged, while 坏 indicates something that is bad or of poor quality.
Imagine a large, heavy rock (the radical '石' for stone) that has been cracked and split into pieces. The sound 'pò' resembles the noise of something breaking—like a loud 'pop' when the rock shatters. Visualize this scene to remember the character's meaning of breaking or damaging.
Learners often confuse 破 with similar verbs like 打破 (dǎpò, to break by hitting) and 破坏 (pòhuài, to destroy). It is generally informal and can be used in everyday conversation. Be cautious with tones; 破 is pronounced in the fourth tone, which can be easily mistaken for other words if mispronounced.
At HSK Level 4, students should focus on the various contexts in which 破 is used, particularly in phrases like 破产 (pòchǎn, to go bankrupt) and 破冰 (pòbīng, to break the ice). Connecting it with other verbs of destruction or breaking can enhance vocabulary retention.
The concept of breaking or destroying is often present in Chinese literature and philosophy, symbolizing both the end of something and the potential for new beginnings. For example, the idea of breaking old habits is a common theme in discussions about personal growth.
Learners sometimes mix up 破 with 破坏 (pòhuài) and use it incorrectly in contexts that imply destruction. For example, saying '我破了我的手机' (I broke my phone) is correct, while '我破坏了我的手机' (I destroyed my phone) suggests a more deliberate action that implies damage beyond mere breaking.
Pronunciation of 破
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Etymology of 破
Phonosemantic compound. 石 represents the meaning and 皮 represents the sound.
rock
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 破?
Decomposition of 破
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 破?
Write 破
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Practice writing 破 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 破
破 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 13 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
衣服穿____了。
The clothes have been worn out.
Common Confusions with 破
Same pronunciation but different meanings.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "broken"?
Usage Notes for 破
Learners often confuse 破 (pò) with 破坏 (pòhuài), which specifically means 'to damage' or 'to destroy'. Remember that 破 can refer to both physical and abstract contexts of breaking.
他的心破了。
His heart was broken.
Fill in the Blank
他的心____了。
His heart was broken.
Example Sentences for 破 (10)
Cultural Notes for 破
In Chinese culture, the concept of '破' is often associated with the idea of renewal. Just as broken objects can be discarded, they can also be transformed into something new, reflecting the principle of '破而后立' or 'breaking down to rebuild'.
The concept of breaking or destroying is often present in Chinese literature and philosophy, symbolizing both the end of something and the potential for new beginnings. For example, the idea of breaking old habits is a common theme in discussions about personal growth.
Word Family of 破
Compound Meaning
What does 破 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 破
Some synonyms for 破 (pò) include '坏' (huài), which means 'bad' or 'broken', and '损坏' (sǔnhuài), which means 'to damage'. These words can often be used interchangeably depending on the context.