Definition
破戒 is a separable verb (离合词) that literally means 'break a precept' — it originally referred to violating Buddhist or religious vows of abstinence (e.g. eating meat, drinking alcohol, breaking celibacy). In broader modern usage, it can also describe breaking a personal rule, taboo, or self-imposed restriction. When you need to add a time word or measure word, the verb 破 and the object 戒 split apart, as in 破了戒 (broke the vow) or 破过戒 (has broken the vow before).
v.o.
to break a religious vow or preceptto break a self-imposed rule or taboo
Examples
- ，破戒。Tā chūjiā duō nián, cóngwèi pò jiè.He has been a monk for many years and has never broken a precept.
- 。Zhè wèi héshang yīnwèi hējiǔ ér pò le jiè.This monk broke his vow because he drank alcohol.
- ，。Tā fāshì jiǎnféi, dàn zuótiān yòu pò jiè chī le dàngāo.He swore to lose weight, but yesterday he broke his rule and ate cake.
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