Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
突破 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
突破
tūpò
to break through
HSK 6, vn, 19 strokes, rank #4015, Hard
突破
tūpò
to make a breakthrough
HSK 6, vn, 19 strokes, rank #4015, Hard
突破
tūpò
to surmount or break the back of (a task etc)
HSK 6, vn, 19 strokes, rank #4015, Hard
突破
tūpò
(of ball sports) to break through a defense
HSK 6, vn, 19 strokes, rank #4015, Hard
tūpò(tu1po4)tu po T1
1to break through
2to make a breakthrough
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
突破tūpò(tu1po4)
The term '突破' (tūpò) means to break through or make a significant advance in a particular area, such as in knowledge, skills, or challenges. It is often used in contexts like personal development, scientific research, and sports, where overcoming obstacles is a key theme.
Strokes19Frequency#4015DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the idea of 突破 is often linked to the concept of 'breaking new ground' in business and personal endeavors, reflecting the value placed on continuous improvement and innovation.
Memory tip
Imagine a powerful wave crashing against a wall, breaking through it and creating a new path. The character 突 (tū) looks like a person charging forward, while 破 (pò) resembles something being shattered. Together, they symbolize breaking through barriers.
Meanings of 突破
tūpò(tu1po4)
1to break through
2to make a breakthrough
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 突破 means.
About 突破
突破Simplified
19Strokes
—Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#4015Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 突破
Podcast: 突破
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 突破
Quick Contrast
突破 (tūpò) vs 超越 (chāoyuè): Use 突破 when emphasizing breaking through obstacles, while 超越 focuses on surpassing limits or achieving excellence.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 突破 with similar terms like '打破' (dǎpò), which means to break something physically rather than conceptually. It is used in both formal and informal settings, particularly in discussions about achievements or innovations.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 突破 connects to advanced vocabulary related to challenges and achievements. Students should practice using it in sentences that describe overcoming difficulties or making progress in various contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes incorrectly use 突破 for minor achievements, while it is meant for significant breakthroughs. For example, saying '我刚完成作业，算是突破了' (I just finished my homework, which counts as a breakthrough) is inappropriate; a better phrase would emphasize a larger challenge or context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 突破
Premium — Locked
Tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 突破, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 突破 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 突破?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 突破 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The term '突破' (tūpò) means to break through or make a significant advance in a particular area, such as in knowledge, skills, or challenges. It is often used in contexts like personal development, scientific research, and sports, where overcoming obstacles is a key theme.
When to use 突破
Learners often confuse 突破 with similar terms like '打破' (dǎpò), which means to break something physically rather than conceptually. It is used in both formal and informal settings, particularly in discussions about achievements or innovations.
突破 or something close to it
突破 (tūpò) vs 超越 (chāoyuè): Use 突破 when emphasizing breaking through obstacles, while 超越 focuses on surpassing limits or achieving excellence.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes incorrectly use 突破 for minor achievements, while it is meant for significant breakthroughs. For example, saying '我刚完成作业，算是突破了' (I just finished my homework, which counts as a breakthrough) is inappropriate; a better phrase would emphasize a larger challenge or context.
Write 突破
突
破
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 突破 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar patterns of 突破
突破 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 4 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 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
这家公司看来很有把握在中国取得重大____。
The company looks poised to make a significant breakthrough in China.
