Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
干脆(乾脆)gāncuì(gan1cui4)
The term 干脆 (gān cuì) means straightforward, clear-cut, or blunt. It is often used to describe a situation or statement that is direct and unambiguous, indicating that something is done simply or without hesitation. This can apply in both positive contexts, such as decisiveness, and negative ones, such as rudeness.
Strokes13Frequency#3559DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being 干脆 can be appreciated in business negotiations, where clear and direct communication is valued. However, being too blunt may also be perceived as lacking politeness, reflecting the balance between honesty and face-saving in social interactions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a clear, straight road (干) that cuts through the dense fog (脆), making your journey easy and direct. The straightforward path reminds you of the clarity and decisiveness found in a 干脆 statement.
Meanings of 干脆
gāncuì(gan1cui4)
1straightforward
2clear-cut
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 干脆
干脆Simplified
乾脆Traditional
13Strokes
—Radical
副形词xíngróngcíadj-adverb (adj.-adv.)Part of Speech
#3559Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 干脆
Podcast: 干脆
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 干脆
Quick Contrast
直接 (zhíjiē) - use 干脆 when emphasizing bluntness or simplicity, while 直接 focuses more on directness without the nuance of bluntness.
Usage Notes
干脆 is generally used in informal contexts to express decisiveness or bluntness. Be cautious as it may come off as too direct in more formal settings. Common collocations include 干脆利落 (gān cuì lì luò), meaning 'decisively and neatly.'
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 干脆 connects well with other vocabulary expressing opinions or actions. Focus on its usage in different contexts and how it contrasts with more nuanced expressions of agreement or disagreement.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 干脆 with 直接 (zhí jiē), which also means 'direct.' However, 干脆 carries a nuance of simplicity and decisiveness that 直接 does not. For example, saying '他很直接' (Tā hěn zhí jiē) may imply honesty, but '他很干脆' (Tā hěn gān cuì) suggests a clear, no-nonsense approach.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 干脆
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 干脆 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
The term 干脆 (gān cuì) means straightforward, clear-cut, or blunt. It is often used to describe a situation or statement that is direct and unambiguous, indicating that something is done simply or without hesitation. This can apply in both positive contexts, such as decisiveness, and negative ones, such as rudeness.
When to use 干脆
干脆 is generally used in informal contexts to express decisiveness or bluntness. Be cautious as it may come off as too direct in more formal settings. Common collocations include 干脆利落 (gān cuì lì luò), meaning 'decisively and neatly.'
干脆 or something close to it
直接 (zhíjiē) - use 干脆 when emphasizing bluntness or simplicity, while 直接 focuses more on directness without the nuance of bluntness.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 干脆 with 直接 (zhí jiē), which also means 'direct.' However, 干脆 carries a nuance of simplicity and decisiveness that 直接 does not. For example, saying '他很直接' (Tā hěn zhí jiē) may imply honesty, but '他很干脆' (Tā hěn gān cuì) suggests a clear, no-nonsense approach.
Write 干脆
干
脆
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 干脆 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 干脆
干脆 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 5 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.
