verb HSK 4
Traditional 打敗
bài
to defeat · to beat · to overcome

Meaning

打败 means to defeat or beat someone in competition, battle, or conflict. The word combines 打 (to hit, to strike) with 败 (to be defeated, to lose), literally meaning 'to strike down to defeat.' It's commonly used in contexts ranging from sports and games to military battles and overcoming challenges.

Usage

打败 is a straightforward verb used in both formal and informal contexts. It takes a direct object (the person or thing being defeated). In sports commentary, news reports, and everyday conversation, it's the standard way to express victory over an opponent. It can also be used metaphorically to talk about overcoming difficulties or challenges.

Examples

  1. 01
    我们队在决赛中打败了对手。
    Wǒmen duì zài juésài zhōng bài le duìshǒu.
    Our team defeated the opponent in the final.
  2. 02
    他终于打败了自己的恐惧。
    zhōngyú bài le zìjǐ de kǒngjù.
    He finally overcame his fear.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 打败对手
    bài duì shǒu
    to defeat an opponent
  • 打败
    bèi bài
    to be defeated
  • 打败敌人
    bài rén
    to defeat the enemy

Antonyms

Origin

The compound combines the action verb 打 (to strike) with the result 败 (defeat), creating a resultative compound verb that emphasizes the action leading to defeat.

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