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破例 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
破例
pòlì
to make an exception
HSK 7, n, 18 strokes, rank #14144, Very Hard
pòlì(po4li4)po li T4
1to make an exception
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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
By ear
Play it, then pick what 破例 means.
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.
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.
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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Learning Lab
Knowing 破例 is seven skills, not one.
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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.
When to use 破例
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).
破例 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 破例
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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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.
