Definitions

kuǎ (verb) to collapse; to break down
kuǎ (verb) to defeat

Etymology phono-semantic

earth

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

is a phono-semantic compound: the radical (earth) on the left provides the semantic category, while on the right indicates the pronunciation. Its original meaning is the sudden collapse of earthen structures such as dams, walls, buildings, or natural landforms. This idea of abrupt failure was later extended metaphorically to abstract and human conditions. The character now commonly describes the breakdown of an organization, the failure of a business venture, or a person's rapid physical or mental decline under extreme pressure.

Example Sentences Hide

那座桥突然了。

Nà zuò qiáo tūrán kuǎ le.

That bridge suddenly collapsed.

他的身体快掉了。

Tā de shēntǐ kuài kuǎ diào le.

His body is about to break down.

经济危机让公司了。

Jīngjì wēijī ràng gōngsī kuǎ le.

The economic crisis caused the company to collapse.

连续加班使他精神了。

Liánxù jiābān shǐ tā jīngshén kuǎ le.

Working overtime continuously made his spirit collapse.

这座建筑因地震而塌。

Zhè zuò jiànzhù yīn dìzhèn ér kuǎtā.

This building collapsed due to the earthquake.

过度压力会导致心理掉。

Guòdù yālì huì dǎozhì xīnlǐ kuǎ diào.

Excessive stress can lead to psychological collapse.

如果不加固,这堵墙迟早会

Rúguǒ bù jiāgù, zhè dǔ qiáng chízǎo huì kuǎ.

If not reinforced, this wall will collapse sooner or later.

整个计划因为资金短缺而台了。

Zhěnggè jìhuà yīnwèi zījīn duǎnquē ér kuǎtái le.

The entire plan collapsed because of fund shortage.