po3 ceoi4破除
Jyutpingpo3 ceoi4
Yalepo chèuih
Definition
To get rid of, abolish, or thoroughly eliminate something.
neutraldaily actionsother
How it's used
This term carries a formal and serious tone, often used in contexts involving social reform, ideology, or deep-seated traditions. It implies a deliberate and active effort to dismantle something that is perceived as harmful or outdated. Unlike simpler verbs for removal, this suggests a forceful or systematic approach to clearing away obstacles or misconceptions.
Examples
We need to get rid of these old concepts.
How do you break this superstition?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 廢除, which is specifically used for laws, systems, or official policies. While 破除 can apply to abstract concepts like 迷信 or 偏見, it is rarely used for concrete objects or legal statutes.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
