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中断
zhōng duàn
interrupt
工程师中断了系统的运行以进行维护。
The engineer interrupted the system's operation for maintenance.
formal
To stop something temporarily or permanently, especially a process, activity, or service.
由于技术故障，视频会议被迫中断。
The video conference was forced to interrupt due to technical failure.
这条铁路线在战争期间曾多次中断。
This railway line was interrupted multiple times during the war.
Often implies an unplanned or unexpected stoppage, as opposed to '暂停' (pause) which can be intentional.
Law
formal
To break the continuity of something, such as a sequence, flow, or legal process.
合同中断后，双方应立即停止履行义务。
After the contract is interrupted, both parties should immediately cease fulfilling obligations.
In legal contexts, '中断' often refers to the suspension of a legal right or process (e.g., prescription period).
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid confusing with '暂停' (pause)
'中断' implies an unplanned or forced stoppage, while '暂停' suggests a deliberate pause that can be resumed later. For example, '暂停播放' (pause playback) vs. '中断播放' (interrupted playback).
Gold Rule
Use '中断' for unplanned stops
Reserve '中断' for situations where the stoppage is unexpected or problematic (e.g., '网络中断' = 'network interruption'). For planned pauses, use '暂停' or '停止'.
Word Origin
Composed of '中' (middle/within) and '断' (to break/cut off), reflecting the idea of breaking continuity in the middle of an action or process.
Usage Notes
Used for both physical and abstract processes. In technical contexts (e.g., IT, engineering), it often implies an abrupt or unintended stoppage. Avoid using it for planned pauses (use '暂停' instead).
Word Breakdown
中
middle/within
root断
to break/cut off
root汉英词典