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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.
Strokes17Frequency#1201DifficultyHard
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
17Strokes
—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.
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.
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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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.
When to use 破坏
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).
破坏 or something close to it
破坏 (pòhuài) vs 毁灭 (huǐmiè) — use 破坏 for damage that may be repairable, while 毁灭 implies total annihilation.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 破坏
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.
