破 (pò) — (adjective) worn out, damaged, broken; (verb) to break, to split, to destroy; (verb) to defeat, to solve (a case), to expose the truth of
Definition
Covers both the verb 'to break/split' and adjective 'broken, worn out' — physical damage only. Unlike 坏, 破 implies a tear or crack; 坏 covers breaking down, spoiling, or going wrong. 碎 is shattering into pieces.
adjective
worn outdamagedbroken
verb
to breakto splitto destroyto defeatto solve (a case)to expose the truth of
Examples
- 破。Wǒ de jiù xié yǐ jīng pò le.My old shoes are already worn out.
- 破。Tā bù xiǎo xīn pò le yí gè bēi zi.He accidentally broke a cup.
- 破。Jǐng chá zhōng yú pò le zhè ge àn zi.The police finally solved this case.
Appears in
Browse more HSK 4 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.