解体 jiětǐ to break up into components
to break up into components; to disintegrate; to collapse; to crumble
How to remember 解体: 解 to explain + 体 body = to break up into components.
Characters
How it is used
- To disintegrate / break apart into pieces - 苏联解体 (Sūlián jiětǐ) the collapse of the Soviet Union.
- Used for large structures/systems/organizations falling apart, literal or figurative.
- Formal; stronger than 解散 (jiěsàn, to disband), which implies a deliberate dissolving of a group.
Example sentences
- 冷战以苏联解体结束。 Lěngzhàn yǐ sūlián jiětǐ jiéshù.The Cold War ended when the Soviet Union collapsed.