break

[/breɪk/]

verb/nounpl: breaks

quebrar/pausa

1. To cause something to separate into pieces or to fracture

I accidentally broke the vase.

Acidentalmente quebrei o vaso.

2. To interrupt or stop an activity temporarily

Let's take a break from work.

Vamos fazer uma pausa no trabalho.

3. To violate or fail to observe a rule or promise

He broke his promise to call me.

Ele quebrou a promessa de me ligar.

4. A period of rest or interruption

We had a 15-minute break during the meeting.

Tivemos uma pausa de 15 minutos durante a reunião.

5. An opportunity or stroke of luck

She got her big break in the film industry.

Ela conseguiu sua grande oportunidade na indústria do cinema.

NYC Slang

break it down (explain something), give me a break (expression of disbelief)

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

quebrar/pausa

Most common usage throughout Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

quebrar/intervalo

Often uses 'intervalo' for break/pause

São Paulo

quebrar/pausa

Standard usage consistent with general Brazilian

Portugal

partir/pausa

'Partir' also commonly used; 'pausa' for time break

break a leg (good luck, especially for performers)

break the ice (initiate conversation in awkward situations)

break the bank (spend a lot of money)

break new ground (do something innovative)

break someone's heart (cause emotional pain)

break even (reach no profit/loss point)

lucky break (fortunate opportunity)

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