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March 24, 2026
断(斷)duàn(duan4)
The character 断 (duàn) primarily means 'to break' or 'to cut off,' and can refer to physical objects or metaphorical concepts, such as relationships or habits. It is commonly used in contexts where something is abruptly ended or severed, and can also imply a strong decision to abstain from something.
Strokes11Radical斤Frequency#1277DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the idea of 断 often appears in discussions about cutting ties or making firm decisions. For instance, the phrase '断舍离' (duàn shě lí) reflects a lifestyle philosophy of decluttering by severing unnecessary attachments.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong person (the radical '刀', meaning knife) snapping a stick in half. The sound 'duàn' is like the sharp crack of the stick breaking, helping you remember both the action and the sound as you visualize this breaking action.
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AI Study Notes for 断
Quick Contrast
断 (duàn) vs 切 (qiē): Use 断 when emphasizing the abrupt end or severance of something, while 切 focuses on the act of cutting.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 断 with the character 断续 (duànxù), meaning 'to be intermittent.' It's used in both formal and informal settings, but pay attention to tone; using it in the wrong context can imply a weaker or softer action instead of the decisive break intended.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 5, students will encounter 断 alongside other verbs related to cutting or breaking, such as 切 (qiē). Focus on its usage in phrases like 断了 (broken) or 断绝 (cut off) to strengthen understanding of its implications.
Common Mistakes
Learners may incorrectly use 断 in contexts where another verb like 切 (qiē, to cut) is more appropriate. For example, saying '我断了这个纸' should be corrected to '我切了这个纸' (I cut this paper).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 断
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The character 断 (duàn) primarily means 'to break' or 'to cut off,' and can refer to physical objects or metaphorical concepts, such as relationships or habits. It is commonly used in contexts where something is abruptly ended or severed, and can also imply a strong decision to abstain from something.
When to use 断
Learners often confuse 断 with the character 断续 (duànxù), meaning 'to be intermittent.' It's used in both formal and informal settings, but pay attention to tone; using it in the wrong context can imply a weaker or softer action instead of the decisive break intended.
断 or something close to it
断 (duàn) vs 切 (qiē): Use 断 when emphasizing the abrupt end or severance of something, while 切 focuses on the act of cutting.
What learners get wrong
Learners may incorrectly use 断 in contexts where another verb like 切 (qiē, to cut) is more appropriate. For example, saying '我断了这个纸' should be corrected to '我切了这个纸' (I cut this paper).
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断
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Grammar Patterns of 断
断 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 9 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The jury found that the NFL had violated antitrust laws.
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Cultural Notes for 断
💡Did you know?
The character 断 (duàn) is composed of the radical 斤 (axe) and 米 (grain). It conveys the idea of cutting or breaking, reminiscent of harvesting grain with an axe.
📜Proverb
A common Chinese saying is '断舍离' (duàn shě lí), which means to cut off unnecessary items, letting go of things that no longer serve you. It reflects the philosophy of minimalism.
Word Family of 断
Compounds1
簖duan4a bamboo trap for catching fish
Words Containing This Character20
不断búduànunceasing不斷
断duànto break斷
判断pànduànto judge判斷
诊断zhěnduàndiagnosis診斷
打断dǎduànto interrupt打斷
切断qiēduànto cut off切斷
果断guǒduànfirm果斷
垄断lǒngduànto monopolize壟斷
中断zhōngduànto cut short中斷
推断tuīduànto infer推斷
断裂duànlièfracture斷裂
判断力judgment判斷力
断绝duànjuéto sever斷絕
折断to break折斷
间断jiànduàndisconnected間斷
断定duàndìngto conclude斷定
割断to cut off割斷
了断to bring to a conclusion了斷
阻断to block阻斷
断层fault (geology)斷層
Exercise 1 of 4
Characters with 断
What does 簖 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 断
断 (duàn) generally means to break or cut off, while 断绝 (duànjué) conveys a stronger sense of completely severing or terminating a relationship or connection. Thus, 断 is more versatile and can be used in various contexts, while 断绝 specifically emphasizes a total cessation.
You can use 断 (duàn) in sentences to indicate an action of breaking or cutting off. For example, you might say '我断了他的联系' (Wǒ duànle tā de liánxì), meaning 'I cut off contact with him.' It can also be used to express the act of giving up, like '我决定断绝这个习惯' (Wǒ juédìng duànjué zhège xíguàn), meaning 'I decided to give up this habit.'
断 (duàn) means to break or snap, often referring to physically breaking something. It can also imply cutting off, giving up, or abstaining from something. In certain contexts, it is used to convey a sense of judgment or decisiveness, especially in negative constructions.
Common phrases include 断绝关系 (duànjué guānxì, to sever ties) and 断念 (duànniàn, to give up a thought or desire).
While 'to break' is a primary meaning, 断 can also imply 'to cut off' or 'to judge,' depending on context.
You can link the sound 'duàn' with the action of snapping a branch, as both involve a sudden break.
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