破的
pò de
The English word "broken" is translated into Chinese as 破的 (pò de).
Meaning: not working properly (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The core adjective 破 means broken, torn or damaged.
Which one should you use?
While 破的 can mean physically damaged or torn, 坏了 is the more common way to say a machine or electronic device is 'broken' or 'not working'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term 壞咗 is commonly used in Cantonese to mean broken or ruined.
How do you pronounce it?
pò de
Did you know?
- To say someone is 'broken' financially or is 'bankrupt', you use 破产, where the second character literally translates to 'born' or 'produced'.
- In Chinese, if a person's heart is 'broken', you wouldn't use 破的 but rather 碎了, which literally means 'shattered' into tiny pieces.
- When talking about a broken relationship or a failed connection, Chinese speakers often use the word 断了, which implies a complete severance or a snapped thread.
Examples in context
- 規則就是用來打破的。Rules are meant to be broken.This sentence uses 破的 to discuss rules being broken.Tatoeba #984913 by nickyeow, translation #982668 by darinmex
- 诺言就是用来打破的。Promises are made to be broken.This sentence uses 破的 to discuss promises being broken.Tatoeba #1330030 by vicch, translation #324186 by CK
- 这个东西损坏了This thing is broken.
- 玻璃破裂了The glass is broken.
- 他受了重伤，心灵也受到了损伤He suffered severe physical and emotional damage.
- 我的手机坏了My phone is broken.
- 这辆车出了大事故，废了This car had a major accident and is now beyond repair.
- 佢個手機壞咗His/her phone is broken.
Example conversation
Zhiqiang is showing Zihan an old umbrella.
- 志强 Zhiqiang梓涵，你看这个雨伞是破的。Zǐhán, nǐ kàn zhè ge yǔsǎn shì pò de.Zihan, look, this umbrella is broken.
- 梓涵 Zihan真的，它完全没法用。Zhēn de, tā wánquán méi fǎ yòng.True, it is completely unusable.
- 志强 Zhiqiang我们得买一个新的。Wǒmen děi mǎi yī gè xīn de.We need to buy a new one.
- 梓涵 Zihan好的，志强，我们现在就去。Hǎo de, Zhìqiáng, wǒmen xiànzài jiù qù.Okay, Zhiqiang, let's go now.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
