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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "breaking" with 断 (duàn)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    Subject + 断

    Explanation

    The verb 断 (duàn) means "to break," "to snap," or "to sever" and describes something being cut off or coming apart. It is used for both physical breaking and abstract separation, such as a broken connection or interrupted path. In classical poetry, it often conveys emotional pain or isolation.

    Examples

    • 这根绳子太旧了，一拉就断了。

      Zhè gēn shéngzi tài jiù le, yī lā jiù duàn le.

      This rope is too old—it broke as soon as it was pulled.

    • 台风过后，好几条路都断了。

      Táifēng guòhòu, hǎo jǐ tiáo lù dōu duàn le.

      After the typhoon, several roads were cut off.

    • 他和老家的联系已经断了很多年。

      Tā hé lǎojiā de liánxì yǐjīng duàn le hěn duō nián.

      He has lost contact with his hometown for many years.