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March 24, 2026
斩钉截铁(斬釘截鐵)zhǎndīngjiétiě(zhan3ding1jie2tie3)
The idiom 斩钉截铁 (zhǎn dīng jié tiě) literally means to chop nails and slice iron, which conveys a sense of decisiveness and determination. It is often used to describe someone who makes a firm decision and stands by it without hesitation, demonstrating a strong will and clarity of thought.
Strokes39Frequency#40170DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, decisiveness is often valued in leadership and personal relationships, reflecting a cultural preference for clear, unambiguous decisions. The idiom emphasizes the importance of being resolute, which aligns with traditional values of strength and determination.
Memory Tip
Imagine a blacksmith chopping nails and slicing through iron with a single swing of the hammer, portraying strength and decisiveness. The sharp sound of the metal being cut echoes the clear and resolute nature of the decision being made.
Meanings of 斩钉截铁
zhǎndīngjiétiě(zhan3ding1jie2tie3)
1lit. to chop the nail and slice the iron (idiom)
2fig. resolute and decisive
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About 斩钉截铁
斩钉截铁Simplified
斬釘截鐵Traditional
39Strokes
—Radical
成语chéngyǔidiom (id.)Part of Speech
#40170Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 斩钉截铁
Podcast: 斩钉截铁
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AI Study Notes for 斩钉截铁
Quick Contrast
果断 (guǒduàn, decisive) vs 坚决 (jiānjué, resolute) — use 斩钉截铁 to emphasize a strong, unwavering decisiveness in action rather than just firmness of intention.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a blacksmith chopping nails and slicing through iron with a single swing of the hammer, portraying strength and decisiveness. The sharp sound of the metal being cut echoes the clear and resolute nature of the decision being made.
Usage Notes
This idiom is primarily used in formal contexts and can describe both personal decisions and leadership actions. Common mistakes include using it in a casual context where more flexible language would be appropriate. Remember to use it in situations that require a strong affirmation or commitment.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 level idiom, 斩钉截铁 connects well with other idiomatic expressions that convey strong emotional or decisive actions. Students should focus on understanding its figurative meaning, as well as practicing its use in sentences.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, decisiveness is often valued in leadership and personal relationships, reflecting a cultural preference for clear, unambiguous decisions. The idiom emphasizes the importance of being resolute, which aligns with traditional values of strength and determination.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse this idiom with more flexible expressions, using it to describe uncertain or tentative decisions, which would be incorrect. For example, saying 'I think I might go' would not fit this idiom; instead, use it in contexts like 'I will definitely do this.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 斩钉截铁
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Grammar Patterns of 斩钉截铁
斩钉截铁 functions as a four-character idiom (成语). Treat it as a fixed unit; it usually plays the role of a single adjective, adverb, or noun phrase inside the larger sentence. It carries 4 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
“你不需要那么做，”珀尔____地说道。
"You don't need to do that," said Pearl assertively.
Example Sentences for 斩钉截铁 (10)
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ilit. to chop the nail and slice the iron (idiom)7
1
“你不需要那么做，”珀尔斩钉截铁地说道。
“ “ nǐ bù xū yào nà mó，” zuò ，” pò ěr zhǎn dīng jié tiě dì。
"You don't need to do that," said Pearl assertively.
2
他斩钉截铁地否认了所有指控，坚称自己是无辜的。
Tā zhǎndīngjiétiě de fǒurènle suǒyǒu zhǐkòng, jiānchēng zìjǐ shì wúgū de.
He categorically denied all the accusations, insisting that he was innocent.
At the press conference, the mayor firmly promised to take measures to solve the traffic problem.
4
面对记者的提问，他斩钉截铁地表示不会更改计划。
Miàn duì jìzhě de tíwèn, tā zhǎndīngjiétiě de biǎoshì bù huì gēnggǎi jìhuà.
Facing the reporter's questions, he declared categorically that the plan would not change.
5
在讨论过程中，她斩钉截铁地拒绝了妥协方案。
Zài tǎolùn guòchéng zhōng, tā zhǎndīngjiétiě de jùjué le tuǒxié fāng'àn.
During the discussion, she categorically rejected the compromise proposal.
6
他斩钉截铁地说：“这次我绝不会再犯同样的错误。”
Tā zhǎndīngjiétiě de shuō: “Zhè cì wǒ jué bù huì zài fàn tóngyàng de cuòwù.”
He said decisively, 'This time, I will not make the same mistake again.'
7
董事长斩钉截铁地保证，公司的资金状况非常稳定。
Dǒngshìzhǎng zhǎndīngjiétiě de bǎozhèng, gōngsī de zījīn zhuàngkuàng fēicháng wěndìng.
The chairman assured decisively that the company's financial status is very stable.
ifig. resolute and decisive3
8
经理斩钉截铁地宣布，公司将在明年扩展市场。
Jīnglǐ zhǎndīngjiétiě de xuānbù, gōngsī jiāng zài míngnián kuòzhǎn shìchǎng.
The manager resolutely announced that the company will expand the market next year.
9
面对质疑，他斩钉截铁地表示，自己的决定是经过深思熟虑的。
Miànduì zhìyí, tā zhǎndīngjiétiě de biǎoshì, zìjǐ de juédìng shì jīngguò shēnsī shúlǜ de.
Facing the doubts, he resolutely stated that his decision was made after careful consideration.
10
在会上，她斩钉截铁地拒绝了那项提议，认为不符合公司的长远利益。
Zài huì shàng, tā zhǎndīngjiétiě de jùjué le nà xiàng tíyì, rènwéi bù fúhé gōngsī de chángyuǎn lìyì.
At the meeting, she resolutely rejected the proposal, believing it did not align with the company's long-term interests.
Cultural Notes for 斩钉截铁
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, decisiveness is often valued in leadership and personal relationships, reflecting a cultural preference for clear, unambiguous decisions. The idiom emphasizes the importance of being resolute, which aligns with traditional values of strength and determination.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While decisiveness is valued in both Chinese and Western cultures, Western contexts may also emphasize the importance of flexibility and adaptability, which can contrast with the strict resoluteness implied by this idiom.
Frequently Asked Questions about 斩钉截铁
It's best suited for formal situations or discussions where a strong decision is being described.
It literally translates to 'to chop the nail and slice the iron'.
Yes, other idioms that convey decisiveness include 一刀两断 (yī dāo liǎng duàn), which means to cut off decisively.
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