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打破 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
打破dǎpòto breakHSK 5, unknown, 15 strokes, rank #2968, Hard
打破dǎpòto smashHSK 5, unknown, 15 strokes, rank #2968, Hard
dǎpò(da3po4)da po T3
  1. 1to break
  2. 2to smash
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March 24, 2026

打破dǎpò(da3po4)

打破 (dǎpò) means 'to break' or 'to smash,' typically used in both a physical sense, such as breaking an object, and a metaphorical sense, like breaking a habit or a barrier. It often implies a forceful action that disrupts the integrity of something.

Strokes15Frequency#2968DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

The concept of breaking barriers is significant in Chinese culture, often symbolizing overcoming challenges or restrictions, particularly in social or economic contexts. The phrase is frequently used in discussions about innovation and progress.

Memory Tip

Imagine a strong person (打 = dǎ, meaning 'to hit') smashing a fragile object (破 = pò, meaning 'to break'). Visualize them dramatically breaking the object in half, making a loud sound. This vivid scene helps you remember both the action and the sound associated with it.

Meanings of 打破

dǎpò(da3po4)
1to break
2to smash
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About 打破

打破Simplified
15Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3YCTL4HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 打破

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Podcast: 打破

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AI Study Notes for 打破

Quick Contrast

打碎 (dǎsuì) - use 打破 for breaking with a focus on disruption, while 打碎 emphasizes breaking into pieces.

Usage Notes

While 打破 is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, learners often confuse it with similar phrases like 破坏 (pòhuài, meaning 'to destroy'). It's important to remember that 打破 emphasizes breaking something rather than damaging it. Be mindful of the tone: 打 (dǎ) is third tone and 破 (pò) is fourth tone.

HSK Study Tips

Although 打破 is not specifically categorized by HSK levels, it can be useful for learners at HSK 3 and above as it incorporates both action and result. Connecting it with related words like 破坏 (destruction) can help reinforce understanding of its usage in various contexts.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use 打破 for delicate items, thinking it can apply to anything. For example, saying '打破我的心' (dǎpò wǒ de xīn) is incorrect; instead, use '伤害' (shānghài) for emotional hurt.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 打破

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Component Characters

打dǎto beat
HSK 25 strokes扌
View full entry
破pòbroken
HSK 410 strokes石
View full entry

How to say to break in Chinese

“to break” in Chinese is打破dǎpò

打破 (dǎpò) means 'to break' or 'to smash,' typically used in both a physical sense, such as breaking an object, and a metaphorical sense, like breaking a habit or a barrier. It often implies a forceful action that disrupts the integrity of something.

When to use 打破

While 打破 is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, learners often confuse it with similar phrases like 破坏 (pòhuài, meaning 'to destroy'). It's important to remember that 打破 emphasizes breaking something rather than damaging it. Be mindful of the tone: 打 (dǎ) is third tone and 破 (pò) is fourth tone.

打破 or something close to it

打碎 (dǎsuì) - use 打破 for breaking with a focus on disruption, while 打碎 emphasizes breaking into pieces.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mistakenly use 打破 for delicate items, thinking it can apply to anything. For example, saying '打破我的心' (dǎpò wǒ de xīn) is incorrect; instead, use '伤害' (shānghài) for emotional hurt.

Write 打破

打
破

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Frequently Asked Questions about 打破

Yes, you can use 打破 metaphorically to describe breaking a promise, as it signifies a disruption of trust.

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