断点 (duàn diǎn) — (computing) breakpoint

Definition

A computing term for a marker in code where a program pauses so a programmer can inspect it. Used in debugging, not in general Chinese.

noun

(computing) breakpoint

断点。
Chéng xù yuán zài dài mǎ zhōng shè zhì le yí gè duàn diǎn.
The programmer set a breakpoint in the code.
断点。
Yùn xíng dào duàn diǎn shí chéng xù huì zàn tíng.
When it reaches the breakpoint, the program will pause.
断点。
Nǐ xū yào xiān shān chú suǒ yǒu duàn diǎn cái néng jì xù.
You need to delete all breakpoints first before continuing.

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

断 means break and 点 means point, naming a spot where a process stops.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 斷; 断 is its simplified writing.

The traditional form 斷 uses 𢇍 (to cut) and 斤 (axe) together.

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 點; 点 is its simplified writing.

黑占點

Meaning part形符xíngfú

黑黑hēiblack

Sound part声符shēngfú

占

占zhàn點diǎn(r)

The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 點 pairs 黑 (black) with 占 for its sound; the simplified 点 is a later abbreviation.