Definition
炸 (zhà) is the everyday verb for 'explode, burst, blow up' — used for bombs, balloons, and figuratively for anger. 爆炸 (bàozhà) is more formal and often refers to a larger, more destructive explosion (e.g., a factory explosion). 爆 (bào) is more colloquial and often used for sudden bursts (e.g., 爆米花 popcorn).
verb
to explodeto burstto blow up(figurative) to fly into a rageto explode with anger
Easily confused
- 炼liànlook-aliketo refine (skills, writing, etc.)
- 扎zhāsound-aliketo tie; to bind; to bundle
- 灰huīlook-alike(noun) ash; dust; lime (powdery substance)
- 渣zhāsound-alikedregs, residue
- 榨zhàsound-aliketo press, to squeeze (juice, oil)
- 闸zhásound-alike(noun) brake (on a vehicle)
Examples
- 炸。Nà ge zhàdàn tūrán zhà le.That bomb suddenly exploded.
- 炸，。Qìqiú zhà le, xià le wǒ yí tiào.The balloon burst and startled me.
- ，炸。Tā tīng dào zhège xiāoxi, qì de kuài zhà le.When he heard the news, he was so angry he almost exploded.
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