Definition
断交 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to break off relations'. It can refer to personal friendships or diplomatic ties between countries. When adding aspect particles (了, 过) or measure words, the verb 断 and object 交 separate: e.g., 断了交 (broke off relations), 断过交 (have broken off relations before). The word is relatively formal and often appears in news or serious contexts.
v.o.
to break off a friendship (personal)to sever diplomatic relations (between countries)
Examples
- 断交。Liǎng guó yīnwèi lǐngtǔ wèntí zhèngshì duàn jiāo le.The two countries formally severed diplomatic relations over territorial issues.
- 断交。Tāmen yīnwèi wùhuì ér duàn jiāo le.They broke off their friendship due to a misunderstanding.
- ，。Tāmen céngjīng shì hǎo péngyou, hòulái duàn le jiāo.They used to be good friends, but later broke off relations.
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