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断裂 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
断裂duànlièfractureHSK 7, unknown, 23 strokes, rank #12598, Very Hard
断裂duànlièruptureHSK 7, unknown, 23 strokes, rank #12598, Very Hard
断裂duànlièto break apartHSK 7, unknown, 23 strokes, rank #12598, Very Hard
duànliè(duan4lie4)duan lie T4
  1. 1fracture
  2. 2rupture
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March 24, 2026

断裂(斷裂)duànliè(duan4lie4)

断裂 (duàn liè) refers to a break or fracture, often used in both physical and metaphorical contexts. It can describe the breaking of materials, such as bone or glass, or the disruption of relationships and systems. The term conveys a sense of suddenness and irreparability.

Strokes23Frequency#12598DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese medicine, the concept of 断裂 is sometimes used metaphorically to describe the separation of qi (energy) in the body, which can lead to illness. Understanding this word can deepen your insight into how physical conditions are often linked to emotional or spiritual states in Chinese culture.

Memory tip

Imagine a bridge (representing connection) that suddenly breaks in half (断裂) during an earthquake. The left side of the bridge is '断' (duàn), meaning 'cut off', and the right side is '裂' (liè), meaning 'to split'. Together, they remind you that something is suddenly and completely severed.

Meanings of 断裂

duànliè(duan4lie4)
1fracture
2rupture
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About 断裂

断裂Simplified
斷裂Traditional
23Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

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Podcast: 断裂

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AI study notes for 断裂

Quick Contrast

断开 (duànkāi) - use 断裂 for a more severe or irreversible break, while 断开 implies a disconnect that may be repaired.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 断裂 with similar terms like 破裂 (pò liè), which is more about bursting. 断裂 is often used in more formal contexts, such as scientific or technical discussions. Remember that the tone is crucial; 'duàn' should have a falling tone, while 'liè' should be pronounced with a sharp falling tone.

HSK Study Tips

Though 断裂 is not in the official HSK vocabulary list, it is useful for learners at HSK 5 and above due to its relevance in discussions about health, engineering, and sociology. Focus on understanding its components and usage in context to see how it connects to other terms related to breaking or separating.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use 断裂 interchangeably with 破裂 (pò liè). For instance, saying '这杯子破裂了' (This cup has fractured) is correct, but saying '这杯子断裂了' is less appropriate. Use 断裂 for contexts where the break is significant or complete.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 断裂

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Component characters

断duànto break
HSK 511 strokes斤
View full entry
裂lièto split
HSK 712 strokes衣
View full entry

How to say fracture in Chinese

“fracture” in Chinese is断裂duànliè

断裂 (duàn liè) refers to a break or fracture, often used in both physical and metaphorical contexts. It can describe the breaking of materials, such as bone or glass, or the disruption of relationships and systems. The term conveys a sense of suddenness and irreparability.

When to use 断裂

Be careful not to confuse 断裂 with similar terms like 破裂 (pò liè), which is more about bursting. 断裂 is often used in more formal contexts, such as scientific or technical discussions. Remember that the tone is crucial; 'duàn' should have a falling tone, while 'liè' should be pronounced with a sharp falling tone.

断裂 or something close to it

断开 (duànkāi) - use 断裂 for a more severe or irreversible break, while 断开 implies a disconnect that may be repaired.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mistakenly use 断裂 interchangeably with 破裂 (pò liè). For instance, saying '这杯子破裂了' (This cup has fractured) is correct, but saying '这杯子断裂了' is less appropriate. Use 断裂 for contexts where the break is significant or complete.

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断
裂

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Frequently asked questions about 断裂

Yes, it can describe a rupture in relationships or connections, indicating a serious breakdown.

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