daa2 po3打破
Jyutpingdaa2 po3
Yaledá po
Definition
To break, smash, or shatter; to break through or overcome an old constraint or state.
- to break; to smash; to shatter
- to break through, overcome, or break a record or deadlock
neutraldaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
While this term is used for physical objects like glass or ceramics, it is equally common in abstract contexts such as breaking records, silence, or conventions. It carries a sense of forceful or decisive action that changes a state of affairs. Unlike 爛, which describes the state of being broken, this focuses on the act of causing the break.
Examples
He accidentally broke the vase.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this for breaking a promise or a rule; for those, Cantonese speakers prefer 違背 or 違反, as 打破 implies a more physical or structural impact.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
