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", denoting to cut off or to judge, originates from the traditional form "斷" where the semantic component "斤" for axe is paired with a phonetic element, illustrating the act of cutting with a tool. From its early use referring to physical severance, the term gradually acquired abstract senses such as resolving disputes or discontinuing processes. Structural modifications over historical periods streamlined the character's composition, yet the retained axe component continues to hint at its foundational meaning.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 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.