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瓦解 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
瓦解wǎjiěto collapseHSK 7, v, 17 strokes, rank #13044, Very Hard
瓦解wǎjiěto disintegrateHSK 7, v, 17 strokes, rank #13044, Very Hard
瓦解wǎjiěto crumbleHSK 7, v, 17 strokes, rank #13044, Very Hard
wǎjiě(wa3jie3)wa jie T3
  1. 1to collapse
  2. 2to disintegrate
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March 24, 2026

瓦解wǎjiě(wa3jie3)

瓦解 (wǎjiě) refers to the process of something breaking down or disintegrating, often used in contexts such as systems, structures, or relationships. It carries a connotation of a sudden or complete collapse, suggesting that what was once whole has now fallen apart, either physically or metaphorically.

Strokes17Frequency#13044DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese history, the term 瓦解 is often associated with political upheaval, such as the collapse of dynasties or movements, reflecting the significance of stability and order in Chinese culture.

Memory tip

Think of 瓦 (wǎ), which means 'tile,' representing a part of a structure. When tiles crumble (解), the entire roof collapses. Imagine a house of tiles breaking apart in a storm, helping you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.

Meanings of 瓦解

wǎjiě(wa3jie3)
1to collapse
2to disintegrate
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 瓦解

瓦解Simplified
17Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#13044Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 瓦解

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Podcast: 瓦解

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AI Study Notes for 瓦解

Quick Contrast

崩溃 (bēngkuì) vs 瓦解 (wǎjiě): use 瓦解 when emphasizing a gradual breakdown process rather than an abrupt collapse.

Usage Notes

瓦解 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in discussions about political structures, organizations, or personal relationships. A common mistake is using it to describe minor disruptions; it is more appropriate for significant collapses. Be cautious with the tone as it is a 3rd tone followed by a 3rd tone, which can lead to pronunciation errors.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 瓦解 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to destruction and change, such as 崩溃 (bēngkuì - to collapse) and 破裂 (pòliè - to burst). Focus on using it in complex sentences, as it often appears in discussions about societal issues.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 瓦解 with less severe terms like 失败 (shībài - to fail). For example, saying '这家公司瓦解了' (This company failed) may be too strong unless there was a complete collapse. Instead, use 失败 for minor failures.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 瓦解

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Component Characters

瓦wǎroof tile
HSK 74 strokes瓦
View full entry
解jiěto divide
HSK 613 strokes角
View full entry

How to say to collapse in Chinese

“to collapse” in Chinese is瓦解wǎjiě

瓦解 (wǎjiě) refers to the process of something breaking down or disintegrating, often used in contexts such as systems, structures, or relationships. It carries a connotation of a sudden or complete collapse, suggesting that what was once whole has now fallen apart, either physically or metaphorically.

When to use 瓦解

瓦解 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in discussions about political structures, organizations, or personal relationships. A common mistake is using it to describe minor disruptions; it is more appropriate for significant collapses. Be cautious with the tone as it is a 3rd tone followed by a 3rd tone, which can lead to pronunciation errors.

瓦解 or something close to it

崩溃 (bēngkuì) vs 瓦解 (wǎjiě): use 瓦解 when emphasizing a gradual breakdown process rather than an abrupt collapse.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 瓦解 with less severe terms like 失败 (shībài - to fail). For example, saying '这家公司瓦解了' (This company failed) may be too strong unless there was a complete collapse. Instead, use 失败 for minor failures.

Write 瓦解

瓦
解

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

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Grammar Patterns of 瓦解

瓦解 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 3 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

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

英国煤炭工业只消两年就将彻底____。

In two years, the British coal industry will be dead and buried.

Example Sentences for 瓦解 (2)

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1
英国煤炭工业只消两年就将彻底瓦解。

yīng guó méi tàn gōng yè zhī xiāo liǎng nián jiù jiāng chè dǐ wǎ jiě。

In two years, the British coal industry will be dead and buried.
2
整个欧洲资本主义马上就会分崩瓦解.

zhěng gè ōu zhōu zī běn zhǔ yì mǎ shàng jiù huì fēn bēng wǎ jiě.

Any day now the whole of European capitalism may crash.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 瓦解

Yes, 瓦解 can describe both physical collapses, like buildings, and abstract concepts, like relationships or organizations.

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