pò: 破 - To Break, Broken, Worn-out, To Defeat

Keywords: 破, pò, break, broken, damage, defeat, expose, tattered, worn-out, Chinese verb, Chinese character, learn Chinese, HSK 3, breakthrough

Summary: Discover the versatile Chinese character 破 (pò), a fundamental term for any Mandarin learner. While its core meaning is “to break” or “broken,” this page explores its rich applications, from describing a worn-out jacket and breaking a world record to defeating an enemy and seeing through a lie. Learn how this single character captures concepts of rupture, breakthrough, and exposure in both literal and figurative senses, complete with practical examples, cultural insights, and common mistakes to avoid.

Pinyin (with tone marks): pò

Part of Speech: Verb, Adjective

HSK Level: HSK 3 (as a standalone character), used in HSK 4+ vocabulary like 破坏 (pòhuài).

Concise Definition: To break, damage, or destroy; or describing something as broken, tattered, or worn-out.

In a Nutshell: 破 (pò) is your go-to character for the idea of “breaking.” Think of it as creating a hole, a tear, or a rupture. Physically, a window can be 破, or your jeans can be 破. Metaphorically, you can 破 a record, 破 a code, or even have your plans fall 破 (fail). It carries a strong sense of breaching a previously intact state.

You can create a simple story to remember it: using a stone (石) to break the skin (皮) of something, causing it to rupture. This visual powerfully captures the essence of 破.

The Spirit of “No Retreat”: 破 is central to one of China's most famous historical idioms: 破釜沉舟 (pò fǔ chén zhōu), which literally means “to break the cauldrons and sink the boats.” It originates from a story about General Xiang Yu, who ordered his troops to destroy their cooking pots and sink their transport ships after crossing a river to engage in battle. This ensured there was no possibility of retreat, forcing his army to fight to the death and securing a decisive victory. Today, it signifies burning one's bridges and showing absolute determination to succeed against all odds.

Western Comparison: In English, we have the concept of a “breakthrough,” which aligns well with the Chinese term 突破 (tūpò). However, 破 itself is more fundamental. While “break” in English is a common verb, it doesn't carry the same weight in cultural idioms about determination as 破釜沉舟. The Chinese usage often implies a more dramatic and committed act of “breaking” from a prior state, whether it's a military formation, a social norm, or a personal limitation.

Breaking the Old: The term 破旧立新 (pò jiù lì xīn), “destroy the old and establish the new,” has been a powerful slogan in various Chinese social and political movements. It reflects a cultural value placed on the ability to break from outdated traditions to make way for progress, a theme recurrent throughout modern Chinese history.

Don't Overuse “Lousy”: While 破 can mean “lousy” or “crappy” (e.g., `破地方`, `破手机`), this is very informal and can sound rude. Be careful with its use in polite or formal situations. Stick to the literal meanings of “broken” or “worn-out” until you are comfortable with the connotations.

坏 (huài) - A general term for “broken” (non-functional) or “bad.” A key term to distinguish from 破.

打破 (dǎpò) - A common compound meaning “to break” or “to smash,” often implying force. More specific than just 破.

破坏 (pòhuài) - To destroy, to damage, to sabotage. More formal and carries a stronger, often more intentional, sense of destruction.

突破 (tūpò) - A breakthrough; to break through. A positive, figurative term used in science, career, and personal development.

碎 (suì) - To shatter into small pieces. Describes the result of breaking something fragile, like glass. It's a result, whereas 破 can be the action or the state.

破产 (pòchǎn) - To go bankrupt. A specific legal and economic term.

破旧 (pòjiù) - Worn-out and old. An adjective that specifically combines “worn-out” with “old” to describe objects.

揭破 (jiēpò) - To expose or uncover (a plot, a lie). Similar to `说破` but with a stronger sense of investigation and revelation.