爆发

• Pinyin: bào fā
• Hanzi breakdown: 爆 = to burst; 发 = to emit/release

Meaning

To erupt; to break out; to burst forth. Sudden, intense occurrence of something.

Used for volcanic eruptions, outbreaks of war or disease, sudden displays of emotion or energy, and bursts of inspiration or performance. Implies something building up and then releasing suddenly and forcefully.

Examples

1. 两国之间的冲突终于爆发了全面战争。 The conflict between the two countries finally erupted into full-scale war.
2. 疫情爆发后，全球经济受到了严重影响。 After the outbreak of the pandemic, the global economy was severely affected.
3. 他在决赛中爆发出惊人的实力，一举夺冠。 He demonstrated amazing strength in the final and won the championship in one fell swoop.

Usage Guide

Context: news, sports, description

Tone: intense

Do Say

• 战争爆发了。(War broke out.)
• 他的潜力终于爆发出来了。(His potential finally burst forth.)

Don't Say

• 不要说'慢慢爆发' (Don't say 'slowly erupt' — 爆发 implies suddenness, so 慢慢 contradicts its meaning)

Origin & History

Compound of 爆 (to burst) + 发 (to emit, release), meaning to burst forth.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal