verb / noun HSK 5
to break through · to make a breakthrough · breakthrough

Meaning

突破 describes the act of breaking through an obstacle, barrier, or limitation. It can refer to physical breakthroughs (like breaking through enemy lines) or abstract ones (like scientific or personal breakthroughs). The word conveys a sense of overcoming resistance or difficulty to achieve something new.

Usage

突破 is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. It frequently appears in discussions of progress, innovation, and achievement. In sports, it describes breaking through a defense. In science and business, it refers to significant advances or innovations. The verb form often takes objects like 限制 (limits), 困难 (difficulties), or 瓶颈 (bottlenecks).

Examples

  1. 01
    科学家们在癌症研究方面取得了重大突破
    Kēxuéjiāmen zài áizhèng yánjiū fāngmiàn qǔdéle zhòngdà tūpò.
    Scientists have made a major breakthrough in cancer research.
  2. 02
    他终于突破了自己的心理障碍。
    zhōngyú tūpòle zìjǐ de xīnlǐ zhàng'ài.
    He finally broke through his psychological barriers.

Characters

Measure words

  • 一个突破
  • 一次重大突破

Common collocations

  • 突破
    kǒu
    breakthrough point
  • 重大突破
    zhòng
    major breakthrough
  • 突破限制
    xiàn zhì
    to break through limitations
  • 技术突破
    shù
    technological breakthrough

Antonyms

Origin

The word combines 突 (sudden forward movement) and 破 (to break), literally meaning 'to suddenly break through.' This mirrors the physical and conceptual action of bursting through a barrier.

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