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March 24, 2026
钝(鈍)dùn(dun4)
The character 钝 (dùn) primarily means 'blunt' or 'dull,' often in reference to objects like knives or pencils. It can also describe someone as 'stupid' or 'dim-witted,' indicating a lack of sharpness in intellect. This word is commonly used in both everyday conversations and written contexts when discussing physical attributes or cognitive abilities.
Strokes9Radical钅Frequency#8877DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being called 钝 (dùn) can be quite pejorative, especially in academic or professional settings, reflecting the value placed on intelligence and sharpness of thought. This reflects broader societal attitudes towards education and capability.
Memory Tip
Imagine a dull knife that can't cut through anything—this knife symbolizes the meaning of 钝 (dùn). The radical 钅 (metal) suggests that it's related to tools, and 'dùn' sounds like 'dun' which can remind you of something that is 'dumb' or 'blunt' in intelligence.
Meanings of 钝
dùn(dun4)
1blunt
2stupid
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 钝
钝Simplified
鈍Traditional
9Strokes
钅Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#8877Frequency Rank
Podcast: 钝
Podcast: 钝
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AI Study Notes for 钝
Quick Contrast
钝 (dùn) vs 钢 (gāng) — choose 钝 when describing something that is not sharp, while 钢 refers specifically to a material that is typically sharp or strong.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a dull knife that can't cut through anything—this knife symbolizes the meaning of 钝 (dùn). The radical 钅 (metal) suggests that it's related to tools, and 'dùn' sounds like 'dun' which can remind you of something that is 'dumb' or 'blunt' in intelligence.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 钝 with similar-sounding words like 敦 (dūn), which means 'kind' or 'gentle.' This character is more informal when referring to someone's intelligence, so use it with caution in formal settings. Common collocations include 钝器 (dùnqì - blunt instrument) and 钝感 (dùngǎn - dull sensation).
HSK Study Tips
While 钝 is not in the official HSK vocabulary lists, it may relate to words like 锋利 (fēnglì - sharp) in the same level of study. Focus on the nuances of describing objects and people, as understanding these distinctions will enhance your vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being called 钝 (dùn) can be quite pejorative, especially in academic or professional settings, reflecting the value placed on intelligence and sharpness of thought. This reflects broader societal attitudes towards education and capability.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 钝 with 聪明 (cōngmíng), which means smart, leading to incorrect sentences like '他很钝' (tā hěn dùn - he is sharp). The correct way to express someone being smart is '他很聪明' (tā hěn cōngmíng).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 钝
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Grammar Patterns of 钝
钝 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
不睡觉的话，工作起来会变得反应迟____。
Without sleep you will become a zombie at work.
Example Sentences for 钝 (10)
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1
不睡觉的话，工作起来会变得反应迟钝。
bù shuì jué de huà， ， gōng zuò qǐ lái huì biàn dé fǎn yīng chí。
Without sleep you will become a zombie at work.
2
人群毫无热情的迟钝反应使我感到很沮丧。
rén qún háo wú rè qíng de chí dùn fǎn yīng shǐ wǒ gǎn dào hěn jǔ sāng。
I'm depressed by the bovine enthusiasm of the crowd's response.
Its symptoms were frequent, non - irritative burning pain or dull pain.
7
厨子笨,怨刀钝.
chú zǐ bèn, , yuàn dāo.
A bad workman quarrels with his tools.
8
这把刀钝了, 我要把它磨一磨.
zhè bǎ dāo dùn le, , wǒ yào bǎ tā mó yī.
The knife is blunt. I'll edge it.
9
那把刀很钝.
nà bǎ dāo hěn dùn.
The knife is dull.
10
刀钝了.
dāo dùn le.
The knife is blunt.
Cultural Notes for 钝
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, being called 钝 (dùn) can be quite pejorative, especially in academic or professional settings, reflecting the value placed on intelligence and sharpness of thought. This reflects broader societal attitudes towards education and capability.
Word Family of 钝
Words Containing This Character7
迟钝chídùnslow in one's reactions遲鈍
钝dùnblunt鈍
愚钝stupid愚鈍
钝角obtuse angle鈍角
鲁钝stupid魯鈍
成败利钝success and failure成敗利鈍
顽钝stupid頑鈍
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 迟钝 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 钝
Yes, 钝 can describe someone as being dim-witted, but be cautious as it can be offensive.
The opposite is 锋利 (fēnglì), which means sharp or keen.
钝 is commonly used in both spoken and written contexts, but be mindful of the connotation.
