爆发 bàofā to break out
to break out; to erupt; to explode; to burst out
How to remember 爆发: 爆 crackle + 发 send out = to break out.
Characters
How it is used
- To break out/erupt/burst forth - 爆发战争 (bàofā zhànzhēng) war breaks out, 火山爆发 (huǒshān bàofā) volcanic eruption, 爆发力 (bàofālì) explosive power.
- About something sudden bursting out - war, disease, emotions, volcanoes; more figurative/broad than physical explosion.
- Contrast 爆炸 (bàozhà, physical explosion/detonation); 爆发 is eruption/outbreak (often abstract).
Example sentences
- 战争于1941年爆发。 Zhànzhēng yú 1941nián bàofā.War broke out in 1941.
- 在全体职员回家后，火事爆发了。 Zài quántǐ zhíyuán huíjiā hòu, huǒ shì bàofā le.The fire broke out after the staff went home.
- 不知道第三次世界大战会不会爆发。 Bù zhīdào dìsāncì shìjièdàzhàn huì búhuì bàofā.I wonder if a third world war will break out.