While 折断 is a very physical and literal word, the concepts of “bending” and “breaking” are culturally significant in China. There is a famous proverb, 宁折不弯 (nìng zhé bù wān), which translates to “better to break than to bend.” This embodies a spirit of integrity, principle, and defiance. It suggests that a person of strong character would rather face destruction (break) than compromise their principles (bend). This reflects a cultural value placed on moral fortitude, even in the face of overwhelming pressure. In contrast to the very specific nature of 折断, the general English word “break” is much broader. We “break a promise,” “break the news,” or “take a break.” Chinese uses different words for these concepts. The specificity of 折断 highlights a tendency in the Chinese language to use more descriptive, pictorial verbs. You don't just “break” a branch; you “snap-sever” it (折断), which gives the listener a much clearer mental image of the event.
折断 (zhéduàn) is a common, everyday word with a generally neutral-to-negative connotation, as it describes something being damaged.
The biggest mistake English speakers make is using 折断 as a general-purpose word for “break.” It is highly specific.