crackle, pop

JLPT N1 19 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of

The character primarily means 'to explode' or 'to burst' and is often used to describe physical explosions, sudden emotional outbursts, or rapid, intense occurrences. It conveys a strong, sudden action or event.

Common Collocations

  • 爆炸 (bàozhà): explosion, to explode — used for bombs, fireworks, or figurative explosions.
  • 爆发 (bàofā): to erupt, to break out — often used for emotions, conflicts, or natural events like volcanoes.
  • (bàoliè): to crack or burst open — often used for screens, pipes, or containers.

Notes

When using , the context usually involves something sudden and intense. It can describe both literal physical explosions and metaphorical ones, such as emotions or events. Avoid confusing with similar verbs like (zhà), which also means 'to explode' but often implies a cooking method or a more controlled explosion.

In conversation, can add dramatic effect, emphasizing the suddenness or intensity of an action or feeling.

Example Sentences

The fireworks exploded in the night sky, illuminating the entire city.

His emotions suddenly erupted, and he started shouting loudly.

The phone screen suddenly cracked and shattered all over the floor.