短 (duǎn) - Short — refers to shortness in length, duration, & deficient

短Tone 3

duǎn ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

丁恩

短 · duǎn

Short — refers to shortness in length, duration, or stature;

deficient;

brief;

lacking.

Short — refers to shortness in length, duration,deficientbrief

Usage highlights

ShortcomingBriefShort storyShortcutShortShort pants

Synonyms

  • 矮— short (in stature)
  • 暂— temporary, brief
  • 缺— lacking, deficient

Antonyms

  • 长— long
  • 高— tall, high
  • 久— long-lasting

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • This pencil is too short (短铅笔).
  • The meeting was brief (短暂的会议).
  • He has a short temper (脾气短).
  • We are short of time (时间短).

Collocations

  • Shortcoming(短处)
  • Brief(短暂)
  • Short story(短篇)
  • Shortcut(短路)
  • Short-term(短期)
  • Shortcoming(缺点)

Idioms

  • To make a long story short(长话短说)
  • To take advantage of someone's shortcomings(取长补短)
  • Short-sighted(目光短浅)
  • To cut a long story short(三长两短)
  • To expose someone's weakness(揭短)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese philosophy, the concept of 'long and short' (长短) represents complementary opposites, similar to yin and yang.
  • The character appears in many idioms about relationships and social interactions, particularly regarding strengths and weaknesses.
  • In traditional measurement, 'short' was a practical concept for various objects and time periods.

FAQ