打破

• Reading: だは
• Romaji: daha
• Kanji breakdown: 打 (da) — to strike | 破 (ha) — to break, smash
• Pronunciation: /da.ha/

Meaning

Breaking down; smashing through; overcoming. The forceful destruction of an obstacle, convention, or barrier.

A noun and suru verb (打破する) with a strong, active connotation — it is not passive endurance but an assertive act of destruction. Commonly used in contexts of social reform, gender equality, organisational change, and rhetoric. The image is of forcefully striking something apart, making it more energetic than 克服する (to overcome) or 排除する (to eliminate).

Examples

1. 旧来の慣習を打破することで、職場の生産性は大幅に向上した。 By breaking down outdated customs, workplace productivity improved dramatically.
2. 既存の枠組みを打破しない限り、真の変革は実現しないと彼女は訴えた。 She argued that true reform cannot be achieved without smashing through existing frameworks.
3. 彼女は業界の性差別の壁を打破し、この分野初の女性リーダーとなった。 She shattered the barrier of gender discrimination in the industry and became the field's first female leader.

Usage Guide

Context: social reform, political speech, business, journalism

Tone: forceful

Origin & History

Compound of 打 (da) meaning 'to strike, hit' and 破 (ha) meaning 'to break, smash, destroy'. The combination intensifies the sense of forceful demolition of an obstacle.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal