突破口

• Pinyin: tū pò kǒu
• Hanzi breakdown: 突破 = breakthrough; 口 = opening, mouth

Meaning

Breakthrough point; gap; opening; weak spot to exploit.

Originally military: a gap in enemy defenses. Now broadly used for any entry point for solving problems, making progress, or finding opportunities. The key is finding where to break through.

Examples

1. 这个案子调查了很久，终于找到了突破口。 This case was investigated for a long time before they finally found a breakthrough point.
2. 市场竞争激烈，我们要找到自己的突破口。 Market competition is fierce — we need to find our own breakthrough.
3. 他的心理防线终于被攻破，供出了关键信息作为突破口。 His psychological defenses were finally broken, and he gave up key information as the breakthrough.

Usage Guide

Context: problem-solving, strategy, investigation

Tone: strategic

Do Say

• 找到突破口。(Find a breakthrough point.)
• 打开突破口。(Open a breach.)

Don't Say

• 把任何机会都叫'突破口' (突破口 specifically means the key entry point — general opportunities are just 机会)

Origin & History

突破 means to break through, 口 means opening — an opening for breakthrough.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal