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破坏
pòhuài
to destroy or damage
战争会破坏城市的基础设施。
War will destroy the city's infrastructure.
general
To destroy or damage something physically or structurally.
地震破坏了许多建筑物。
The earthquake destroyed many buildings.
Can refer to physical destruction or severe damage to objects, systems, or structures.
general
To disrupt or sabotage something, often intentionally.
黑客试图破坏公司的网络安全系统。
The hacker attempted to sabotage the company's network security system.
Can also imply intentional interference or disruption.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Literal vs. Figurative Use
破坏 can refer to physical destruction (e.g., buildings) or abstract disruption (e.g., plans, relationships).
Gold Rule
Common Collocations
破坏 is often paired with objects (e.g., 破坏环境) or actions (e.g., 破坏计划).
Word Origin
Combination of 破 (pò, 'to break') and 坏 (huài, 'bad' or 'damaged').
Usage Notes
Can be used both literally (physical destruction) and figuratively (disruption or sabotage).
Word Breakdown
破
to break
root坏
bad or damaged
root汉英词典