Meanings of 斷
By ear
Play it, then pick what 斷 means.
About 斷
Podcast: 斷
Podcast: 斷
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 斷
断 (duàn) vs 切 (qiē) — use 断 when emphasizing a decisive or final severing, while 切 focuses on the act of cutting without the implication of finality.
Be mindful not to confuse 斷 with similar-sounding words that have different meanings. This character is more formal, so it is best used in written contexts or formal conversations. Common collocations include 斷絕 (duànjué - to sever completely) and 斷開 (duànkāi - to break or disconnect).
Although 斷 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary list, it connects to HSK Level 4 words related to actions and processes, such as 结束 (jiéshù - to end). Focus on the usage of this character in compound phrases to expand understanding.
Learners often mistakenly use 斷 in informal contexts, where simpler terms may apply, such as using 斷 to mean 'to end' in casual conversation. An incorrect example would be saying '我們斷了' (Wǒmen duànle - We cut off), instead of saying '我們結束了' (Wǒmen jiéshùle - We ended).
Pronunciation of 斷
Drill the tone of 斷 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 斷 to You
Let me explain 斷 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 斷 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Etymology of 斷
Simplified form of 斷. Depicts cutting off threads with an axe (斤)
Threads 幺 severed 一 by an axe 斤
Origin
What kind of character is 斷?
Decomposition of 斷
Parts
Which of these is part of 斷?
How to say to sever, to cut off, to interrupt in Chinese
“to sever, to cut off, to interrupt” in Chinese is斷
The character 斷 (duàn) primarily means 'to sever' or 'to cut off.' It is commonly used in contexts where something is interrupted or stopped abruptly, such as a conversation or a relationship. The nuance of this word can imply a sense of finality or a decisive action.
When to use 斷
Be mindful not to confuse 斷 with similar-sounding words that have different meanings. This character is more formal, so it is best used in written contexts or formal conversations. Common collocations include 斷絕 (duànjué - to sever completely) and 斷開 (duànkāi - to break or disconnect).
斷 or something close to it
断 (duàn) vs 切 (qiē) — use 断 when emphasizing a decisive or final severing, while 切 focuses on the act of cutting without the implication of finality.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 斷 in informal contexts, where simpler terms may apply, such as using 斷 to mean 'to end' in casual conversation. An incorrect example would be saying '我們斷了' (Wǒmen duànle - We cut off), instead of saying '我們結束了' (Wǒmen jiéshùle - We ended).
Write 斷
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 斷 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 斷?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Word Family of 斷
Words with 斷
What does 不断 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 斷
Common phrases include 斷絕 (to sever completely) and 斷開 (to break off), both indicating a strong sense of cutting ties.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 斷?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.