Learning different ways to express the word “broken” in Chinese can be quite helpful when you encounter situations involving damaged objects or broken relationships. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “broken” in Chinese, providing you with tips, examples, and even a regional variation if necessary. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Broken” in Chinese
When you need to express the word “broken” formally in Chinese, the following terms are commonly used:
- 损坏 (sǔn huài): This term denotes the general meaning of “damaged” or “broken.” It is appropriate to use in formal situations when discussing objects or property. For instance, you can say “这个东西损坏了” (zhè ge dōng xī sǔn huài le) to mean “This thing is broken.”
- 破裂 (pò liè): This term specifically refers to something that is physically broken or ruptured. It can be used to describe broken items like glass or bones. For example, you can say “玻璃破裂了” (bō li pò liè le) to mean “The glass is broken.”
- 损伤 (sǔn shāng): This term is often used to describe physical injuries or damages resulting from accidents or mishaps. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a person’s emotional state. For instance, you can say “他受了重伤，心灵也受到了损伤” (tā shòu le zhòng shāng, xīn líng yě shòu dào le sǔn shāng) to mean “He suffered severe physical and emotional damage.”
2. Informal Ways to Say “Broken” in Chinese
When speaking in more casual or informal settings, you can use the following terms to convey the meaning of “broken” in Chinese:
- 坏了 (huài le): This term is commonly used in daily conversation and signifies that something is broken or not functioning properly. For example, you can say “我的手机坏了” (wǒ de shǒu jī huài le) meaning “My phone is broken.”
- 烂了 (làn le): This term is often used to describe objects that are ruined or completely broken beyond repair. It implies a sense of deterioration. For instance, you can say “这个苹果烂了” (zhè ge píng guǒ làn le) meaning “This apple is rotten.”
- 废了 (fèi le): This term is used to express something being completely unusable or ruined. It implies a sense of irreparable damage. For example, you can say “这辆车出了大事故，废了” (zhè liàng chē chū le dà shì gù, fèi le) meaning “This car had a major accident and is now beyond repair.”
3. Regional Variation: Cantonese
If you encounter Cantonese speakers or are interested in Cantonese regional variations, here’s how to say “broken” in Cantonese:
- 壞咗 (waai3 zo2): This term is commonly used in Cantonese to mean “broken” or “ruined.” For example, you can say “佢個手機壞咗” (keoi5 go3 sau2 gei1 waai3 zo2) to mean “His/her phone is broken.”
Tips: To effectively communicate in Chinese, it’s essential to understand the context and appropriateness of the term you choose to use. Consider the level of formality and the relationship with the person you are speaking to when selecting the right term for “broken.”
Now armed with both formal and informal ways to say “broken” in Chinese, you can confidently express yourself in various situations. Remember to always consider the context and choose the appropriate term to convey your intended meaning. Happy learning!
