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How to Say ‘Broke down’ in Traditional Chinese

壞掉了

huài diào le

[hwai-dyao luh]

💬 Usage Tip: The [了] here shows a new situation: it has become broken. Compare [機器壞掉了] "the machine broke/is broken now" with plain [機器壞掉] as a more bare description.

Phrase Breakdown

壞掉

huài diào

[hwai-dyao]

to break down; broken

Describes that something has become broken or stopped functioning.

Example

支付機器壞掉了。

The payment machine is broken.

le

[luh]

completed action particle

Shows a change of state or that something has happened.

Example

機器壞掉了,所以不能刷卡。

The machine broke down, so card payment isn’t possible.

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