to break into pieces

JLPT N5 13 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage and Nuances

The character (suì) primarily means "to break into pieces" or "to shatter." It can be used both transitively (breaking something) and intransitively (something breaking). It often describes physical breaking, such as glass or ceramics, but can also be used metaphorically, like dreams or hopes shattering.

Common Collocations

  • (suìpiàn): fragments or shards, often used with glass or ceramics.
  • (shuāi suì): to break by falling or dropping.
  • (suì le): indicates something has broken or shattered.

Register and Tone

is neutral in tone and commonly used in everyday speech. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse with (pò), which also means "to break" but often implies damage without necessarily breaking into pieces. emphasizes the breaking into many small pieces.

Summary

Use when you want to emphasize that something has broken into small pieces or has been shattered, whether physically or metaphorically.