突破

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 突破 is a noun read とっぱ for breaking through or clearing an obstacle and is also used as the transitive verb 突破する.
• Basic usage: It describes clearing a qualifying stage or making one's way through difficult terrain.
  • チームは接戦を制して予選を突破した。 describes the team clearing the qualifying round; 探検隊は険しい谷を突破して目的地に着いた。 describes the expedition breaking through a rugged valley to reach its destination.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 予選を突破する
  • を marks the qualifying round that is cleared, while 接戦を制して explains that this follows victory in a close contest.
• 谷を突破する
  • After a place noun, を can mark the route or obstructing space through which someone advances.
• 突破する and 通過する
  • 通過する(つうかする) broadly means passing through a place or procedure, while 突破する more strongly suggests overcoming an obstacle or boundary.