中断
Traditional: 中斷
zhōng duàn HSK 6

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

大雨中断了足球比赛。
Dàyǔ zhōngduàn le zúqiú bǐsài.
Heavy rain suspended the football match.
网络问题中断了会议。
Wǎngluò wèntí zhōngduàn le huìyì.
Network issues cut short the meeting.
他因紧急电话中断谈话。
Tā yīn jǐnjí diànhuà zhōngduàn tánhuà.
He suspended the conversation due to an urgent call.
电话中断了。
Diànhuà zhōngduàn le.
The phone call was interrupted.
会议中断了。
Huìyì zhōngduàn le.
The meeting was suspended.

💡 Memory Tip

Break down the characters: 中 (middle) + 断 (break) = 'break in the middle.' Think of something being cut off midway, like a phone call dropping.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in formality and used in both spoken and written Chinese. It is common in contexts like technology (internet disconnection), projects, communication, or processes being halted unexpectedly.

📖 Grammar Points

Often used as a transitive verb (e.g., 中断会议) or in passive structures with 被/由于 (e.g., 被中断). It can also be used as a noun in some contexts, like 发生中断.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese communication, interrupting others (打断) is often considered impolite, but 中断 as a term is neutral and factual, commonly used in news or reports about disruptions.

🔄 Similar Words

中断 vs. 停止: 中断 implies an interruption in the middle of something, which may resume later, while 停止 is a general stop that may or may not resume. 中断 vs. 打断: 打断 is often used for interrupting speech or actions in interpersonal situations, while 中断 is broader and more formal.

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