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断言 (duàn yán) — to assert categorically; to affirm

Definition

断言 is a formal/written verb meaning to assert something as a definite fact, stronger and more declarative than the everyday 说 or 声称. It often implies stating a conclusion confidently based on evidence, not just expressing an opinion.

verb
to assert categoricallyto affirm

Examples

  • 断言。
    Tā duàn yán zhè ge jì huà huì chéng gōng.
    He asserts that this plan will succeed.
  • 断言。
    Zhuān jiā duàn yán qì hòu biàn huà jiāng yǐng xiǎng quán qiú.
    Experts assert that climate change will affect the globe.
  • 断言。
    Méi yǒu rén gǎn duàn yán jié guǒ huì zěn yàng.
    No one dares to assert what the result will be.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

断duàndecisive
言yánsay

'断' (decisive) + '言' (say) gives 'say decisively'.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 斷; 断 is its simplified writing.

The traditional form 斷 uses 𢇍 (to cut) and 斤 (axe) together.

Open 断 →

An abstract idea shown by a mark or a diagram rather than by a picture of an object.

The early form of 言 shows an opening and a mark indicating a location; the location is not described as the source of speech.

Open 言 →
Appears in
Communication & Speech

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