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爆炸 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
爆炸bàozhàexplosionHSK 6, v, 28 strokes, rank #1205, Hard
爆炸bàozhàto explodeHSK 6, v, 28 strokes, rank #1205, Hard
爆炸bàozhàto blow upHSK 6, v, 28 strokes, rank #1205, Hard
爆炸bàozhàto detonateHSK 6, v, 28 strokes, rank #1205, Hard
bàozhà(bao4zha4)bao zha T4
  1. 1explosion
  2. 2to explode
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March 24, 2026

爆炸bàozhà(bao4zha4)

The term 爆炸 (bào zhà) refers to an explosion or the action of something exploding. It is commonly used in contexts related to physics, military, or even metaphorically in expressions of sudden emotional outbursts. The nuance can imply a sudden and violent release of energy, both literally and figuratively.

Strokes28Frequency#1205DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, 爆炸 is often associated with fireworks, especially during festivals like the Lunar New Year, where the loud explosions are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.

Memory Tip

Imagine a bomb with the characters 爆 (bào) and 炸 (zhà) on it. The 爆 looks like a bomb about to burst, while 炸 resembles the sparks flying out of an explosion. The sound 'bào' can remind you of a loud bang, and 'zhà' sounds like the action of something bursting open.

Meanings of 爆炸

bàozhà(bao4zha4)
1explosion
2to explode
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About 爆炸

爆炸Simplified
28Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1205Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 爆炸

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Podcast: 爆炸

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AI Study Notes for 爆炸

Quick Contrast

爆破 (bàopò) - use 爆炸 for sudden, violent explosions, while 爆破 typically refers to controlled demolition or breaking.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 爆炸; both characters are fourth tone, which can lead to confusion if mispronounced. This term is often used in both formal and informal settings, but it's important to match the context – for instance, in news reports, it's more formal, whereas in casual conversation, it could refer to a strong emotional reaction.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 爆炸 connects to other advanced vocabulary dealing with events, reactions, and emotions. Focus on using it in complex sentences and practice combining it with other verbs to describe different types of explosions, both literal and metaphorical.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 爆炸 with similar sounding words like 暴发 (bào fā), which means to break out or erupt. Make sure to use 爆炸 specifically for explosions, not other types of sudden events.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 爆炸

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Component Characters

爆bàoto explode or burst
HSK 619 strokes火
View full entry
炸zháto deep fry
HSK 59 strokes火
View full entry

How to say explosion in Chinese

“explosion” in Chinese is爆炸bàozhà

The term 爆炸 (bào zhà) refers to an explosion or the action of something exploding. It is commonly used in contexts related to physics, military, or even metaphorically in expressions of sudden emotional outbursts. The nuance can imply a sudden and violent release of energy, both literally and figuratively.

When to use 爆炸

Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 爆炸; both characters are fourth tone, which can lead to confusion if mispronounced. This term is often used in both formal and informal settings, but it's important to match the context – for instance, in news reports, it's more formal, whereas in casual conversation, it could refer to a strong emotional reaction.

爆炸 or something close to it

爆破 (bàopò) - use 爆炸 for sudden, violent explosions, while 爆破 typically refers to controlled demolition or breaking.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 爆炸 with similar sounding words like 暴发 (bào fā), which means to break out or erupt. Make sure to use 爆炸 specifically for explosions, not other types of sudden events.

Write 爆炸

爆
炸

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Frequently Asked Questions about 爆炸

Yes, while it is often used in technical contexts, it can also describe a sudden emotional outburst in everyday conversation.

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