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March 24, 2026
破坏(破壞)pòhuài(po4huai4)
破坏 (pò huài) means to cause destruction or damage to something. It is commonly used in contexts involving physical objects, environments, or abstract concepts like relationships or systems. The nuance often implies a sense of irreversible harm or disruption.
Frequency#1201DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
破坏 is often associated with discussions about environmental protection in China, especially given the rapid industrialization and its effects on nature. This word is commonly used in campaigns promoting sustainability and conservation efforts.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'po'lar bear ('破') breaking ('坏') through ice, causing a disaster in its environment. The bear represents the action of breaking, while the ice symbolizes what is being destroyed. This vivid image links the pronunciation to the meaning.
Meanings of 破坏
pòhuài(po4huai4)
1destruction
2damage
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About 破坏
破坏Simplified
破壞Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1201Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 破坏
Podcast: 破坏
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AI Study Notes for 破坏
Quick Contrast
破坏 (pòhuài) vs 毁灭 (huǐmiè) — use 破坏 for damage that may be repairable, while 毁灭 implies total annihilation.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'po'lar bear ('破') breaking ('坏') through ice, causing a disaster in its environment. The bear represents the action of breaking, while the ice symbolizes what is being destroyed. This vivid image links the pronunciation to the meaning.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 破坏 with similar verbs like 毁灭 (huǐ miè), which means to annihilate. 破坏 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile. Common collocations include 破坏环境 (damage to the environment) and 破坏规则 (breaking rules).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 破坏 connects to other verbs related to actions and consequences, such as 影响 (yǐng xiǎng, to influence) and 改变 (gǎi biàn, to change). Students should focus on understanding its implications in various contexts and practicing with relevant phrases.
Cultural Note
破坏 is often associated with discussions about environmental protection in China, especially given the rapid industrialization and its effects on nature. This word is commonly used in campaigns promoting sustainability and conservation efforts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 破坏 when they mean to say 'modify' or 'change,' leading to sentences like '我想破坏这个计划' (I want to destroy this plan) instead of '我想改变这个计划' (I want to change this plan). Always ensure the context involves damage or destruction.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 破坏
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Grammar Patterns of 破坏
破坏 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 5 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.
This may help to undermine the brittle truce that currently exists.
8
敏感肌肤专用面霜不会破坏皮肤表面的保护层。
mǐn gǎn jī fū zhuān yòng miàn shuāng bù huì pò huài pí fū biǎo miàn de bǎo hù céng。
Sensitive Cream will not strip away the skin's protective layer.
9
破坏一种酶可能会导致在别处出现异常。
pò huài yī zhǒng méi kě néng huì dǎo zhì zài bié chǔ chū xiàn yì cháng。
Tampering with a single enzyme can lead to untoward effects elsewhere.
10
渔民们害怕宝贵的牡蛎和贻贝层会被破坏。
yú mín mén hài pà bǎo guì de mǔ lì hé yí bèi céng huì bèi pò huài。
Fishermen fear valuable oyster and mussel beds could be decimated.
Cultural Notes for 破坏
🏮Cultural insight
破坏 is often associated with discussions about environmental protection in China, especially given the rapid industrialization and its effects on nature. This word is commonly used in campaigns promoting sustainability and conservation efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions about 破坏
Yes, 破坏 typically carries a negative connotation, implying harm or damage.
Absolutely, it can describe the destruction of relationships or systems, not just physical objects.
破坏 refers to damage that may be repairable or less severe, while 毁灭 indicates total destruction or annihilation.
