Meaning
破败 describes something that has fallen into a state of disrepair, decay, or ruin. It often refers to buildings, neighborhoods, or places that were once prosperous but have deteriorated over time. The word combines 破 (broken, damaged) and 败 (defeated, ruined) to emphasize complete deterioration.
Usage
This word is commonly used to describe physical structures like old houses, abandoned buildings, or declining neighborhoods. It carries a somewhat literary or formal tone and often evokes a sense of former glory lost to time. Writers use it to create imagery of decay and abandonment.
Examples
- 01这座老房子已经破败不堪，需要大规模修缮。, .This old house is utterly dilapidated and needs major repairs.
- 02战争过后，整个城市呈现出一片破败的景象。, .After the war, the entire city presented a scene of ruin and decay.
Characters
Common collocations
- 破败不堪in an utterly dilapidated state
- 破败的房屋dilapidated houses
- 日益破败increasingly dilapidated
- 破败的景象scene of ruin/decay
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters have ancient origins. 破 originally depicted breaking stone or jade, while 败 shows the image of decay or defeat. Together they create a compound emphasizing complete deterioration.