Usage and Nuances
The verb 违反 (wéifǎn) is commonly used to describe the act of breaking laws, rules, contracts, or moral standards. It carries a formal tone and is often found in legal, official, or serious contexts.
Common Collocations
- 违反法律 (wéifǎn fǎlǜ): to violate the law
- 违反规定 (wéifǎn guīdìng): to violate regulations
- 违反合同 (wéifǎn hétóng): to breach a contract
- 违反道德 (wéifǎn dàodé): to violate ethics/morality
These collocations emphasize the formal and often negative consequences of the violation.
Important Notes
- 违反 is typically used with abstract rules or laws, not physical objects.
- It is different from 破坏 (pòhuài), which means to destroy or damage something physically.
- When using 违反, the focus is on the act of disobeying or breaking a rule rather than causing physical harm.
Understanding 违反 helps learners express legal or rule-breaking actions clearly and appropriately in Mandarin.