中断

• Pinyin: zhōng duàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 中 = middle; 断 = 斤 (axe) cutting 幺幺 (silk), meaning to break

Meaning

To interrupt; to suspend; to break off. To stop something before it is completed.

Used for breaking continuity in processes, communications, or activities. Common phrases: 中断联系 (break off contact), 中断服务 (interrupt service), 被迫中断 (be forced to suspend). Also a computing term.

Examples

1. 由于技术问题，直播被迫中断了五分钟。 Due to technical issues, the live broadcast was forced to interrupt for five minutes.
2. 他们的谈判因分歧太大而中断。 Their negotiations were suspended because of major disagreements.
3. 网络中断导致在线会议无法继续。 The network interruption caused the online meeting to be unable to continue.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, communication, events

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 信号中断了。(The signal was interrupted.)
• 比赛因雨中断。(The match was suspended due to rain.)

Don't Say

• 中断停止 (Redundant — pick one or the other)

Origin & History

Compound of 中 (middle) and 断 (to break, cut). To break in the middle.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal