絕 (jué) - To cut off, sever & to break off, discontinue

絕Tone 2

jué ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

傑君

絕 · jué

To cut off, sever;

to break off, discontinue;

to stop, cease;

to exhaust, use up;

to die out, become extinct;

to be desperate, hopeless;

extremely, absolutely;

unique, peerless.

To cut off, severto break off, discontinueto stop, cease

Usage highlights

Cut offDesperate situationUnique skillAbsolutely beautifulBecome extinctExhaust all means

Synonyms

  • 断— to break, sever
  • 尽— to exhaust, use up
  • 极— extreme, utmost

Antonyms

  • 续— to continue, extend
  • 连— to connect, join
  • 生— to live, birth

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The road was cut off (绝路).
  • He broke off all contact (断绝联系).
  • The scenery is absolutely beautiful (绝美的风景).
  • This is a unique skill (绝技).

Collocations

  • Cut off(断绝)
  • Desperate situation(绝境)
  • Unique skill(绝技)
  • Absolutely beautiful(绝美)
  • Become extinct(绝种)
  • Exhaust all means(绝招)

Idioms

  • Cutting off all means of retreat(破釜沉舟)
  • Unprecedented and unrepeatable(空前绝后)
  • Desperate situation with no way out(走投无路)
  • Cut off from the world(与世隔绝)
  • Superb workmanship(巧夺天工)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese philosophy, '绝' often conveys the concept of extremity or finality, as seen in Daoist texts discussing the ultimate state of being.
  • The character appears in many classical literary works to describe severed relationships or hopeless situations.
  • In martial arts contexts, '绝技' refers to unique, often secret techniques passed down through lineages.

FAQ