破坏

huài

Traditional: 破坏

#1239 of 5,000 Core 5000

Translation

to destroy, to damage, to undermine

Word origin

A compound of 破 (pò, broken or to break) and 坏 (huài, bad or ruined). Together they mean to break and ruin, that is to destroy.

Origin
compound
Root
破 (pò, to break) + 坏 (huài, ruined)

Stroke order

Stroke order for 破

Stroke order for 坏

Examples

zuò

The war destroyed this city.

gòngshī

Do not damage public facilities.

yáoyán

The rumour ruined his reputation.

This matter undermined our relationship.

rǎnhuánjìng

Pollution has badly damaged the environment.

破坏 (pò huài) means to destroy, damage or undermine. It applies to physical things as well as relationships and reputations.

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This word is part of lesson 25.