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突破 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
突破tūpòto break throughHSK 6, vn, rank #4015, Hard
突破tūpòto make a breakthroughHSK 6, vn, rank #4015, Hard
突破tūpòto surmount or break the back of (a task etc)HSK 6, vn, rank #4015, Hard
突破tūpò(of ball sports) to break through a defenseHSK 6, vn, rank #4015, Hard
tūpò(tu1po4) T1
  1. 1to break through
  2. 2to make a breakthrough
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March 24, 2026
突破tūpò(tu1po4)

The term '突破' (tūpò) means to break through or make a significant advance in a particular area, such as in knowledge, skills, or challenges. It is often used in contexts like personal development, scientific research, and sports, where overcoming obstacles is a key theme.

Frequency#4015DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the idea of 突破 is often linked to the concept of 'breaking new ground' in business and personal endeavors, reflecting the value placed on continuous improvement and innovation.

Memory Tip

Imagine a powerful wave crashing against a wall, breaking through it and creating a new path. The character 突 (tū) looks like a person charging forward, while 破 (pò) resembles something being shattered. Together, they symbolize breaking through barriers.

Meanings of 突破

tūpò(tu1po4)
1to break through
2to make a breakthrough
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 突破

突破Simplified
Strokes
Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#4015Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 突破

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Podcast: 突破

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AI Study Notes for 突破

Quick Contrast

突破 (tūpò) vs 超越 (chāoyuè): Use 突破 when emphasizing breaking through obstacles, while 超越 focuses on surpassing limits or achieving excellence.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a powerful wave crashing against a wall, breaking through it and creating a new path. The character 突 (tū) looks like a person charging forward, while 破 (pò) resembles something being shattered. Together, they symbolize breaking through barriers.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 突破 with similar terms like '打破' (dǎpò), which means to break something physically rather than conceptually. It is used in both formal and informal settings, particularly in discussions about achievements or innovations.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 突破 connects to advanced vocabulary related to challenges and achievements. Students should practice using it in sentences that describe overcoming difficulties or making progress in various contexts.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the idea of 突破 is often linked to the concept of 'breaking new ground' in business and personal endeavors, reflecting the value placed on continuous improvement and innovation.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes incorrectly use 突破 for minor achievements, while it is meant for significant breakthroughs. For example, saying '我刚完成作业,算是突破了' (I just finished my homework, which counts as a breakthrough) is inappropriate; a better phrase would emphasize a larger challenge or context.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 突破

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Component Characters

to dash
HSK 59 strokes
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broken
HSK 410 strokes
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Write 突破

Practice writing 突破 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 突破

突破 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 4 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.

Exercise 1 of 2

Complete the Sentence

这家公司看来很有把握在中国取得重大____。

The company looks poised to make a significant breakthrough in China.

Example Sentences for 突破 (2)

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1
这家公司看来很有把握在中国取得重大突破。

zhè jiā gōng sī kàn lái hěn yǒu bǎ wò zài zhōng guó qǔ dé zhòng dà tū pò。

The company looks poised to make a significant breakthrough in China.
2
最后一天,队里的指示就是不惜一切代价实现零的突破。

zuì hòu yī tiān, , duì lǐ de zhǐ shì jiù shì bù xī yī qiē dài jià shí xiàn líng de tū。

Team orders on the final day were to avoid the dreaded blank at all costs.

Cultural Notes for 突破

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the idea of 突破 is often linked to the concept of 'breaking new ground' in business and personal endeavors, reflecting the value placed on continuous improvement and innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions about 突破

Yes, 突破 can be used in casual discussions about personal growth or challenges.