Meaning and Usage
"炸弹" (zhàdàn) primarily means "bomb," referring to an explosive device. It is commonly used in military or security contexts to talk about actual bombs or explosives.
Figurative Uses
Besides the literal meaning, "炸弹" is often used metaphorically to describe something shocking or unexpected, such as surprising news or remarks that cause a strong reaction, similar to the English expression "bombshell."
Common Collocations
- 炸弹威胁 (bomb threat): used in security or police reports.
- 投掷炸弹 (to throw a bomb): literal action in military or conflict contexts.
- 炸弹袭击 (bomb attack): describing an attack involving bombs.
- 投下炸弹 (to drop a bomb): often used in news or military descriptions.
Usage Notes
When using "炸弹" figuratively, it usually appears in contexts where something causes a sudden and strong emotional impact. Avoid confusing it with "爆炸" (explosion), which refers to the act of exploding rather than the object.
"炸弹" is a noun and can be combined with verbs like "发现" (discover), "引爆" (detonate), or used in idiomatic expressions to describe surprising events.