po3 zaan6破綻破绽
Jyutpingpo3 zaan6
Yalepo jaahn
Definition
A split seam in clothing, or a flaw, loophole, or weak point in a story or argument.
- a split seam in clothing
- figurativea flaw, loophole, or weak point in a statement or action
neutraldescriptionscommunication
How it's used
Primarily used in a metaphorical sense to describe inconsistencies in an argument or a lie. While it can literally refer to a torn seam in clothing, native speakers often prefer using 爛咗 or 穿咗 for physical damage, reserving 破綻 for abstract situations where someone's facade is slipping.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
His story is full of holes, it is very easy to spot a flaw.
The shirt has a hole in it, where is the torn seam?
Related words
Common phrases
to reveal a flaw
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 漏洞, which is a more general term for a loophole or a gap in a system. 破綻 specifically implies a failure to maintain a consistent appearance or story, often suggesting that someone is being caught in a deception.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
