粉碎
fěnsuì
The English verb smash translates to Chinese as 粉碎 (fěnsuì).
粉碎 means to break something violently. While it can be used for physical objects, it is also frequently used metaphorically to describe the complete destruction of abstract things, such as dreams, illusions or enemy forces.
Meaning: (transitive) to break violently (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 粉碎 is composed of 粉 (powder) and 碎 (broken/fragmented), literally meaning to break something into powder or small fragments.
Which one should you use?
粉碎 implies smashing something into tiny pieces or powder. In contrast, 打破 is a more general term for breaking something, such as a glass or a record, without necessarily reducing it to fragments.
How do you pronounce it?
fěnsuì
Did you know?
- While 粉碎 describes the act of smashing, the character 粉 is also used as a modern slang term for a 'fan' or 'follower' of a celebrity. This is a shortening of the word 粉丝, which is a phonetic loanword for the English 'fans'.
- While 'smash' in English can sometimes mean a great success, like a 'smash hit', using 粉碎 in Chinese to describe a success would be a total misunderstanding, as it only carries the connotation of destruction.
- In Chinese history, the term 粉碎 was famously used in political rhetoric to describe the 'smashing' of 'imperialist' or 'reactionary' plots during the mid-20th century.
Examples in context
- 他用力打破了窗户。He forcefully smashed the window.
- 演员们的精彩表演打破了沉默。The actors' splendid performance broke the silence.
Example conversation
Zhiqiang and Zihan are cleaning up a broken object.
- 志强 Zhiqiang梓涵，你看到这个碎片了吗？Zǐhán, nǐ kàndào zhège suìpiàn le ma?Zihan, do you see this fragment?
- 梓涵 Zihan看到了，谁粉碎了它？Kàndào le, shéi fěnsuìle tā?I see it, who smashed it?
- 志强 Zhiqiang是我不小心把它撞碎了。Shì wǒ bù xiǎoxīn bǎ tā zhuàng suì le.I accidentally knocked it over and broke it.
- 梓涵 Zihan没关系，志强，小心碎片。Méi guānxì, Zhìqiáng, xiǎoxīn suìpiàn.It's okay, Zhiqiang, be careful of the shards.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “smash” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
