中断 zhōngduàn to cut short
to cut short; to break off; to discontinue; to interrupt
How to remember 中断: 中 middle + 断 sever = to cut short.
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How it is used
- To break off partway, interrupt - 谈判中断 (tánpàn zhōngduàn) the negotiations broke down; 中断联系 (zhōngduàn liánxì) to cut off contact.
- Emphasizes stopping something that was ongoing before completion; can be intransitive (信号中断 the signal cut out) or transitive.
- 断 = to sever; contrast 打断 (dǎduàn), to interrupt someone briefly (e.g. cut in while they speak).