Definitions

duàn (verb) to break; to snap; to cut off
duàn (verb) to stop; to give up; to abstain from
duàn (verb) to judge; to conclude
duàn (adverb) definitely; decidedly

Etymology

Simplified form of . Depicts cutting off threads () with an axe ()

About

The character 断 originates from the traditional form 斷, which visually depicts the act of severing material. Its traditional structure pairs the axe radical 斤 on the right with the complex left component 㡭, representing multiple strands of silk. This imagery conveys the core meaning: an axe chopping through threads, indicating the act of cutting or breaking. The simplified form 断 replaces the intricate left side with a simpler abstract component derived from cursive styles, while retaining the axe radical to preserve the semantic core. Beyond physical cutting, the meaning expanded to include abstract separation, such as making decisive judgments, concluding matters, or stopping a process.

Etymology Hide

Clerical etymology image
Clerical Jin dynasty (266-420 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我的铅笔掉了。

Wǒ de qiānbǐ duàndiào le.

My pencil broke.

绳子突然了。

Shéngzi tūrán duàn le.

The rope suddenly broke.

他不努力学习。

Tā bùduàn nǔlì xuéxí.

He constantly studies hard.

请判对错。

Qǐng pànduàn duìcuò.

Please judge right or wrong.

他们绝了联系。

Tāmen duànjué le liánxì.

They cut off contact.

医生诊他得了流感。

Yīshēng zhěnduàn tā dé le liúgǎn.

The doctor diagnosed him with the flu.

进步才能取得成功。

Bùduàn jìnbù cáinéng qǔdé chénggōng.

Only by making continuous progress can one achieve success.

在做出决定之前,需要仔细判所有情况。

Zài zuò chū juédìng zhīqián, xūyào zǐxì pànduàn suǒyǒu qíngkuàng.

Before making a decision, one needs to carefully judge all situations.