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果断 (guǒ duàn) — decisive; firm

Definition

果断 describes decisive action or character — making a choice quickly and firmly without hesitation. Stronger and more action-oriented than 坚决 or 坚定 (which describe a firm stance or will).

adjective
decisivefirm

Examples

  • ，果断。
    Miàn duì jī huì, tā guǒ duàn dì zuò le jué dìng.
    Facing the opportunity, he made the decision decisively.
  • 果断。
    Tā shì yí gè guǒ duàn de lǐng dǎo zhě.
    She is a decisive leader.
  • 果断。
    Zhè cì xíng dòng bì xū guǒ duàn xùn sù.
    This operation must be decisive and swift.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

果guǒresolute
断duàndecisive

果 and 断 both convey decisiveness, together meaning firm and decisive.

Characters in this word

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

果 originally drew fruits hanging on a tree.

Open 果 →

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 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9HSK 2.0 Level 6Personality & Traits

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