解体

• Pinyin: jiě tǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 解 = 角 + 刀 + 牛 — to undo; 体 = 亻(person) + 本 — body, structure

Meaning

To disintegrate; to fall apart; to break up. A structure or system collapsing into component parts.

Often used for political entities (like the Soviet Union's dissolution), organizations, or physical structures falling apart. Implies complete collapse rather than gradual decline. Can also refer to dismantling machinery.

Examples

1. 苏联解体后，世界政治格局发生了巨大变化。 After the Soviet Union disintegrated, the world political landscape changed dramatically.
2. 这栋老建筑已经年久失修，随时可能解体。 This old building has fallen into disrepair and could collapse at any time.
3. 公司内部矛盾激化，面临解体的危机。 Internal conflicts have intensified within the company, facing a crisis of disintegration.

Usage Guide

Context: political, historical, structural

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 帝国最终解体了。(The empire eventually disintegrated.)
• 这个联盟正在解体。(This alliance is falling apart.)

Don't Say

• 用'解体'形容简单的分离 (Don't use 解体 for simple separation — it implies complete structural collapse)

Origin & History

Composed of 解 (to separate; to undo) + 体 (body; structure). Together they describe a body or structure breaking apart.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated speakers