打断

• Pinyin: dǎ duàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 打 = 扌(hand) + 丁 (nail); 断 = 斤 (axe) + 米 + 丝 (silk threads being cut)

Meaning

To interrupt; to break off. To cut short someone's speech or an ongoing action.

Used when someone stops another person from continuing to speak or act. Can also mean physically breaking something in two. In conversation, interrupting is generally considered impolite, so this word often carries a slightly negative connotation.

Examples

1. 请不要打断我，让我把话说完。 Please don't interrupt me — let me finish what I'm saying.
2. 会议进行到一半被一个紧急电话打断了。 The meeting was interrupted halfway through by an urgent phone call.
3. 他的腿在事故中被打断了，需要做手术。 His leg was broken in the accident and he needs surgery.

Usage Guide

Context: conversation, interruption

Tone: direct

Do Say

• 抱歉打断一下，我有个问题。(Sorry to interrupt, I have a question.)
• 别打断他，让他继续说。(Don't interrupt him, let him continue.)

Don't Say

• 打断别人说话在正式场合是不礼貌的，要说'抱歉打断' (Interrupting others is impolite in formal settings — say 'sorry to interrupt')

Origin & History

From 打 (to strike) and 断 (to break/sever), meaning to forcibly cut something off.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal