破
break; damage; pierce; expose; worn-out
Meanings
9 senses · 45 examplesverb
to break; to damage; to become damaged
Describes physical damage to solid or soft objects.
He accidentally cut his hand and it broke open.
I accidentally poked a hole in the paper.
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There is a hole in my sock around my ankle.
I dropped this glass cup and broke it.
The backpack strap was torn by a tree branch.
verb
to split; to cut open; to break apart
formalUsed for intentional splitting or destroying objects.
We must burn our boats and finish this project.
The army's attack was unstoppable, capturing the position quickly.
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Please help me cut open this watermelon.
He split the wooden board with an axe.
The flood broke through the levee.
verb
to break a bill; to exchange a large bill for smaller ones
informalUsed specifically for exchanging paper currency.
Can you break this one-yuan bill into two fifty-cent bills?
Could you break this fifty-yuan note? I need change for the bus.
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The supermarket cashier broke my hundred-yuan bill into smaller change.
I don't have small change, can you break a bill for me?
I can't break this fifty-yuan bill, let's exchange it for another one.
verb
to break; to violate; to go beyond
formalUsed for breaking rules, traditions, or setting new records.
This design breaks away from traditional styles.
The school made an exception to allow him to graduate early.
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He broke the world record at the Olympic Games.
We need to get rid of outdated ideological concepts.
This new policy broke down industry barriers.
verb
to defeat; to capture; to take over
formalUsed in military or competitive contexts.
Our army successfully captured the enemy's city.
We crushed our opponents in this game and won the championship.
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The army captured the enemy stronghold at dawn.
Our team broke through the opponent's defensive formation.
Historically, this army defeated the Xiongnu army decisively.
verb
to spend; to use up
informalUsed for spending money, time, or effort.
He spent several hundred thousand yuan to buy a new house.
We spent a lot of energy to complete this project.
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Don't waste time on such trivial matters.
This trip cost me half a month's salary.
He spent money on an expensive gift for his friend's birthday.
verb
to expose; to reveal; to uncover the truth
Used for revealing secrets, lies, or solving crimes.
He exposed the truth with just one sentence.
The teacher saw through my lie right away.
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The police solved the case and caught the murderer.
Journalists' investigation finally exposed this scandal.
He saw through my little trick right away.
adjective
worn-out; damaged; tattered
Describes objects that are old and damaged.
He is wearing a tattered old coat.
This old house is very run-down.
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My worn-out backpack still works.
This beat-up bicycle finally broke down.
She threw away the worn-out sofa and bought a new one.
adjective
useless; bad; crappy
informal, derogatoryUsed in informal, negative contexts to express dislike.
Who wants to watch that crappy show!
The terrible food at this restaurant is totally inedible.
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Stop using this crappy pen, get a new one.
He's just a lousy driver, what's so great about him?
This crappy phone keeps lagging.