短期 (duǎn qī) refers to a short period of time, often used in planning, employment, or projects (e.g., short-term goals, short-term employees). It contrasts with 短暂 (duǎn zàn), which describes events that are brief or fleeting in duration, not a defined term. 短 (duǎn) is a general adjective for short length or time, but 短期 specifically means 'short term' as a noun or adjective.