Meaning and Usage
"推翻" (tuī fān) literally combines "push" and "turn over," conveying the action of overturning or overthrowing something established. It is commonly used in political contexts to describe the overthrow of governments or regimes, but it can also apply to abstract concepts like arguments or systems.
Common Collocations
- 推翻政府 (overthrow the government): used in political or revolutionary contexts.
- 推翻论点 (overturn an argument): used in debates or discussions.
- 推翻制度 (overthrow a system): refers to changing or abolishing established rules or structures.
Usage Notes
When using "推翻," the emphasis is on completely overturning or invalidating the original subject. It often implies a forceful or decisive action. Unlike similar verbs like "改变" (change), "推翻" suggests a more radical or total reversal. It is typically used in formal or serious contexts rather than casual conversation.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "推翻" with "翻转," which means "to flip" or "to turn over" in a physical sense. "推翻" is more abstract and often metaphorical, relating to overthrowing authority or ideas.