Definition
短 (duǎn) is the general adjective for 'short' — it can describe length (头发短), time (寒假短), or even a short story. For height of people or objects, use 矮 (ǎi) instead. For time, 不久 (bù jiǔ) means 'not long (ago/after)' and is used differently, while 短暂 (duǎn zàn) is a more formal word for 'brief, short-lived'.
adjective
shortbrief
Easily confused
- 矣yǐlook-alike(classical particle, sentence-final) indicates a change of state, completion, or new situation (equivalent to modern 了)
- 段duànsound-alike(classifier) used for sections of time, text, road, or stages of a process; segment, paragraph, stretch
- 断duànsound-aliketo break, to snap (physically)
- 端duānsound-aliketo hold (a cup, bowl, etc.) level with both hands; to carry (in both hands)
Examples
- 短。Tā de tóufa hěn duǎn.His hair is very short.
- 短。Tā xiě le yí gè duǎn gùshi.He wrote a short story.
- 短，。Hánjià hěn duǎn, hěn kuài jiù guòqù le.Winter break was short and passed quickly.
Browse more HSK 3 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.