في 15 ثانية
- Literally means 'dropping anchor' but used for car breakdowns.
- Best for vehicles or machines that stop moving suddenly.
- Use it when you are stuck and need a tow.
المعنى
Imagine you're driving and your car just gives up on life. This phrase describes a vehicle or machine breaking down and coming to a dead stop.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Calling a friend for a ride
我的车在高速公路上抛锚了，你能来接我吗？
My car broke down on the highway, can you come pick me up?
Explaining lateness to a boss
对不起，我迟到了，因为公交车半路抛锚了。
Sorry I'm late, because the bus broke down halfway.
Texting a group about a trip delay
我们的车抛锚了，看来我们要晚点到了。😅
Our car broke down, looks like we'll be arriving late.
خلفية ثقافية
The phrase originates from maritime navigation where dropping an anchor is a deliberate act to stop a ship. Its transition to automotive breakdown reflects the rapid modernization of China, where nautical metaphors were adapted for the 'ships of the road.' It is a classic example of how ancient seafaring language survives in the age of combustion engines.
The 'Halfway' Trick
Always pair it with `半路` (bànlù) to sound like a native. It adds that 'stuck in the middle of nowhere' feeling.
Not for Software
If your app crashes, don't use this. Use `闪退` (shǎntuì) or `崩溃` (bēngkuì) instead.
في 15 ثانية
- Literally means 'dropping anchor' but used for car breakdowns.
- Best for vehicles or machines that stop moving suddenly.
- Use it when you are stuck and need a tow.
What It Means
抛锚 (pāomáo) literally means to drop a ship's anchor. In modern life, it describes a car or machine breaking down. It implies the vehicle is stuck and cannot move. It is the universal sound of a ruined road trip. You use it when the engine dies unexpectedly.
How To Use It
Use it as a verb for vehicles. Usually, you add 了 at the end to show it happened. You can say 我的车抛锚了. It is simple and direct. It works for cars, buses, and even high-tech machinery. Just don't use it for your broken phone screen.
When To Use It
You use this when you are stuck on the highway. Use it when calling a tow truck or your boss. It is perfect for explaining why you are late. It sounds more descriptive than just saying something is 'broken'. It paints a picture of being 'anchored' in place against your will.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for small electronics. If your laptop freezes, don't say it 抛锚ed. That sounds like your laptop has a literal engine and wheels. Also, avoid using it for human relationships. If you break up with someone, use a different word. This is strictly for mechanical things that should be moving.
Cultural Background
China used to be a major maritime power. Many old nautical terms moved into everyday city life. As cars became common, this 'anchor' metaphor felt natural. It captures the frustration of a sudden, heavy stop. It feels a bit more dramatic than technical jargon. It is a very 'visual' way to complain about your car.
Common Variations
You might hear 故障 (gùzhàng) in very formal reports. However, 抛锚 is what people actually say on the street. Sometimes people say 半路抛锚 to mean breaking down halfway. This adds extra drama to your story. It emphasizes that you are stuck in the middle of nowhere.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
The phrase is neutral and very common in daily speech. It specifically refers to the immobilization of a vehicle. Avoid using it for non-mechanical objects or abstract concepts like 'a broken heart'.
The 'Halfway' Trick
Always pair it with `半路` (bànlù) to sound like a native. It adds that 'stuck in the middle of nowhere' feeling.
Not for Software
If your app crashes, don't use this. Use `闪退` (shǎntuì) or `崩溃` (bēngkuì) instead.
The Anchor Image
Chinese speakers literally see a ship dropping an anchor when they say this. It's a very vivid, physical metaphor.
أمثلة
6我的车在高速公路上抛锚了，你能来接我吗？
My car broke down on the highway, can you come pick me up?
A very common way to ask for help during a breakdown.
对不起，我迟到了，因为公交车半路抛锚了。
Sorry I'm late, because the bus broke down halfway.
A valid and professional excuse for being late.
我们的车抛锚了，看来我们要晚点到了。😅
Our car broke down, looks like we'll be arriving late.
Using an emoji softens the bad news in a group chat.
这台老爷车每周都要抛锚一次。
This vintage car breaks down once every week.
Uses the phrase to highlight the unreliability of the car.
货车在送货途中抛锚了，需要维修。
The truck broke down during delivery and needs repair.
Clear and factual for a work context.
天哪，偏偏在这个时候抛锚！
Oh my god, it had to break down right at this moment!
Expresses emotional frustration when timing is bad.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the correct phrase to describe a car stopping due to engine failure.
由于发动机过热，汽车在隧道里___了。
`抛锚` is the specific term for a vehicle breaking down and stopping.
Which word completes the sentence about being stuck halfway?
真倒霉，出租车在___抛锚了。
`半路抛锚` is a common collocation meaning 'to break down halfway'.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality of 'To Break Down'
Gua le (Died)
我的车挂了。
Pao mao (Dropped anchor)
我的车抛锚了。
Gu zhang (Malfunction)
车辆发生故障。
When to use 抛锚
Highway breakdown
Stuck on the shoulder
Public transport
The bus stops moving
Heavy Machinery
Tractor in a field
Excuses
Explaining why you're late
بنك التمارين
2 تمارين由于发动机过热，汽车在隧道里___了。
`抛锚` is the specific term for a vehicle breaking down and stopping.
真倒霉，出租车在___抛锚了。
`半路抛锚` is a common collocation meaning 'to break down halfway'.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةYes, you can! While it's most common for cars, any vehicle that stops moving due to a mechanical failure can 抛锚.
It's perfectly fine. It's a neutral term, neither too slangy nor too stiff. For example: 货运车抛锚了.
坏了 means 'broken' in general. 抛锚 specifically means the vehicle stopped moving. A radio can be 坏了, but it can't 抛锚.
Usually yes, or any failure that prevents movement. If your air conditioning is broken but the car still drives, don't use 抛锚.
No, that would sound very strange. Use 累瘫了 (lèi tān le) if you are 'broken down' from exhaustion.
It is understood everywhere. Because of its maritime roots, it might feel slightly more 'classic' in port cities, but it's standard Mandarin.
You can say 车快要抛锚了. It implies you hear a weird noise and are worried.
Generally no. For computers, use 死机 (sǐjī) which literally means 'dead machine' or 'frozen'.
Yes, in a police or insurance report, you would use 发生故障 (fāshēng gùzhàng).
Almost never. Unless you are a literal sailor actually wanting to drop an anchor to rest, it's always about an annoying breakdown.
عبارات ذات صلة
故障
Malfunction / Technical fault
死机
Computer crash / Frozen screen
修车
To fix a car
爆胎
Flat tire / Tire burst
