Definition
打断 (dǎ duàn) has two main uses: 'to interrupt (someone speaking)' and 'to break (a bone)' — the 打 gives it an active, forceful feel. It's more colloquial and concrete than 中断 (zhōng duàn), which is used for formal interruptions of processes or services. 断 (duàn) alone just means 'be broken/cut off' without specifying the cause; 打断 adds the deliberate, causative action.
verb
to interrupt (someone speaking)to break (a bone)to break offto disrupt (an activity, thought, etc.)
Easily confused
- 打听dǎ tinglook-aliketo ask around; to inquire (by seeking information from others)
- 打折dǎ zhélook-aliketo give a discount; to offer a discount
Examples
- 打断。Qǐng bú yào dǎ duàn tā shuōhuà.Please don't interrupt him while he's speaking.
- ，打断。Tā cóng lóutī shàng shuāi xiàlái, dǎ duàn le gēbo.He fell down the stairs and broke his arm.
- 打断。Wǒ de sīlù bèi tā de wèntí dǎ duàn le.My train of thought was interrupted by his question.
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