verb HSK 5
Traditional 決裂
jué liè
to break with · to rupture · to split (in relations)

Meaning

决裂 describes a complete and often dramatic break in a relationship, whether personal, political, or diplomatic. It implies a serious rupture where communication and cooperation cease, typically after conflict or irreconcilable differences. The word carries a sense of finality and severity.

Usage

This is a formal, serious term used primarily for significant breaks in important relationships—political alliances, close friendships, family ties, or diplomatic relations. It's not used for casual or temporary disagreements. The verb often appears with 与 (yǔ) or 和 (hé) to indicate 'break with (someone/something)'.

Examples

  1. 01
    他们因为政治观点不同而彻底决裂了。
    men yīn wèi zhèng zhì guān diǎn tóng ér chè jué liè le.
    They completely broke with each other due to differing political views.
  2. 02
    两国关系面临决裂的危险。
    Liǎng guó guān miàn lín jué liè de wēi xiǎn.
    Relations between the two countries face the danger of rupture.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 与...决裂
    ... jué liè
    to break with...
  • 彻底决裂
    chè jué liè
    to break completely
  • 关系决裂
    guān jué liè
    relations rupture
  • 决裂的边缘
    jué liè de biān yuán
    on the verge of rupture

Antonyms

Origin

The compound combines 决 (to decide/sever) and 裂 (to split/tear apart), literally suggesting a decisive splitting or tearing. The metaphor of physical rupture represents the breaking of bonds.

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