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March 24, 2026
破例pòlì(po4li4)
破例 (pòlì) means to make an exception to a rule or norm. It is often used in contexts where standard procedures are set aside due to special circumstances or considerations, indicating flexibility in a typically rigid situation.
Strokes18Frequency#14144DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese workplaces, making exceptions can be viewed positively when it supports efficiency or loyalty, especially in relationships (关系). This reflects the cultural emphasis on flexibility within hierarchy.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'rule book' (the '破' part looks like a book being torn) and someone tearing a page out, saying 'This is an exception!' ('例' sounds like 'lee', which you might imagine as a person breaking the rule). Together, they remind you of breaking a norm.
Meanings of 破例
pòlì(po4li4)
1to make an exception
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 破例
破例Simplified
18Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#14144Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 破例
Podcast: 破例
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AI Study Notes for 破例
Quick Contrast
破格 (pògé) — use 破例 when referring to making an exception to a rule; use 破格 when emphasizing an extraordinary standard or qualification.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'rule book' (the '破' part looks like a book being torn) and someone tearing a page out, saying 'This is an exception!' ('例' sounds like 'lee', which you might imagine as a person breaking the rule). Together, they remind you of breaking a norm.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 破例 with similar expressions like 特例 (tèlì), which means a specific case rather than a general exception. This term is generally more formal; avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include '破例允许' (make an exception to allow).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 破例 connects with other advanced vocabulary about rules and exceptions. Focus on using it in complex sentences to express nuanced ideas about regulations and flexibility.
Cultural Note
In Chinese workplaces, making exceptions can be viewed positively when it supports efficiency or loyalty, especially in relationships (关系). This reflects the cultural emphasis on flexibility within hierarchy.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to use the correct tone in 破例, mistakenly saying 'poli' instead of 'pòlì'. Another common error is to use it inappropriately in contexts that do not involve exceptions, such as saying '这不是破例' (This is not an exception) when discussing general rules.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 破例
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Grammar Patterns of 破例
破例 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
鲍恩上尉____允许自己每天抽一支雪茄。
Captain Bowen permitted himself one cigar a day.
Example Sentences for 破例 (13)
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1
鲍恩上尉破例允许自己每天抽一支雪茄。
bào ēn shàng wèi pò lì yǔn xǔ zì jǐ měi tiān chōu yī zhī xuě qié。
The company never allows employees to bring pets to work, but this time, to celebrate the holiday, the boss made an exception and let everyone bring their pets.
3
他一向不借书给别人，这次因为朋友的请求，他才破例一次。
Tā yīxiàng bù jiè shū gěi biérén, zhè cì yīnwèi péngyǒu de qǐngqiú, tā cái pòlì yīcì.
He never lends books to others, but this time, due to a friend's request, he made an exception.
4
尽管规定很严格，校长还是破例允许他提前毕业，因为他表现出色。
Jǐnguǎn guīdìng hěn yángé, xiàozhǎng háishì pòlì yǔnxǔ tā tíqián bìyè, yīnwèi tā biǎoxiàn chūsè.
Despite the strict rules, the principal made an exception allowing him to graduate early because of his outstanding performance.
The company never allows employees to bring pets to work, but this time, to celebrate the holiday, the boss made an exception and let everyone bring their pets.
6
他一向不借书给别人，这次因为朋友的请求，他才破例一次。
Tā yīxiàng bù jiè shū gěi biérén, zhè cì yīnwèi péngyǒu de qǐngqiú, tā cái pòlì yīcì.
He never lends books to others, but this time, due to a friend's request, he made an exception.
7
尽管规定很严格，校长还是破例允许他提前毕业，因为他表现出色。
Jǐnguǎn guīdìng hěn yángé, xiàozhǎng háishì pòlì yǔnxǔ tā tíqián bìyè, yīnwèi tā biǎoxiàn chūsè.
Despite the strict rules, the principal made an exception allowing him to graduate early because of his outstanding performance.
8
这家餐厅通常不接受预约，但今天为了你们的纪念日，他们破例了。
Zhè jiā cāntīng tōngcháng bù jiēshòu yùyuē, dàn jīntiān wèile nǐmen de jìniànrì, tāmen pòlì le.
This restaurant usually doesn't accept reservations, but today they made an exception for your anniversary.
9
尽管公司政策很严格，经理破例批准了她的长假请求，因为她的家庭急需她。
Jǐnguǎn gōngsī zhèngcè hěn yángé, jīnglǐ pòlì pīzhǔn le tā de chángjià qǐngqiú, yīnwèi tā de jiātíng jíxū tā.
Despite the company's strict policies, the manager made an exception to approve her extended leave request because her family urgently needed her.
The library usually doesn't allow these rare books to be borrowed, but this time, to support your research, they made an exception.
11
他的母亲一向不允许他吃快餐，这次生日她破例满足了他的愿望。
Tā de mǔqīn yīxiàng bù yǔnxǔ tā chī kuàicān, zhè cì shēngrì tā pòlì mǎnzúle tā de yuànwàng.
His mother never allows him to eat fast food, but this time for his birthday, she made an exception.
12
在严格的预算限制下，董事会破例批准了新项目的额外资金。
Zài yángé de yùsuàn xiànzhì xià, dǒngshìhuì pòlì pīzhǔnle xīn xiàngmù de éwài zījīn.
Under strict budget constraints, the board of directors made an exception to approve additional funding for the new project.
13
虽然平时不接受临时请假，但因为突发事件，老板破例同意了他的请求。
Suīrán píngshí bù jiēshòu línshí qǐngjià, dàn yīnwèi túfā shìjiàn, lǎobǎn pòlì tóngyìle tā de qǐngqiú.
Although temporary leave is not usually accepted, due to unforeseen circumstances, the boss made an exception to approve his request.
Cultural Notes for 破例
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese workplaces, making exceptions can be viewed positively when it supports efficiency or loyalty, especially in relationships (关系). This reflects the cultural emphasis on flexibility within hierarchy.
Frequently Asked Questions about 破例
You can say, '在这个情况下，我们可以破例让他加入会议' (In this case, we can make an exception and let him join the meeting).
While it is more common in formal settings, you can use it informally if the context is appropriate.
The opposite would be 遵守 (zūnshǒu), which means to comply with rules.
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