裂 (liè) - To split & to crack

裂Tone 4

liè ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

嘹林

裂 · liè

To split;

to crack;

to break apart;

to rend;

to tear;

a fissure or crack.

To splitto crackto break apart

Usage highlights

Split openCrackRuptureTear apartFissureBreakup

Synonyms

  • 破— to break; to damage
  • 碎— to smash; to fragment
  • 分— to separate; to divide

Antonyms

  • 合— to combine; to join
  • 整— whole; intact
  • 补— to mend; to repair

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The glass cracked (玻璃裂了).
  • The ground split open (地面裂开).
  • A tear in the fabric (布料上的裂口).
  • Relations between them ruptured (他们关系破裂了).

Collocations

  • Split open(裂开)
  • Crack(裂缝)
  • Rupture(破裂)
  • Tear apart(撕裂)
  • Fissure(裂痕)
  • Breakup(分裂)

Idioms

  • To break into pieces(四分五裂)
  • Heaven and earth splitting apart(天崩地裂)
  • Heartbroken(心裂)
  • Cracking mountains and splitting rocks(裂山碎石)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Often carries negative connotations of damage, destruction, or separation.
  • Used metaphorically to describe emotional states like heartbreak or the breakdown of relationships.
  • In traditional thought, a 'crack' or 'fissure' can symbolize disharmony or a flaw in an otherwise whole entity.

FAQ