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March 24, 2026
果断(果斷)guǒduàn(guo3duan4)
果断 (guǒduàn) means being firm and decisive in making decisions or taking action. It is often used in contexts where quick and confident choices are needed, such as in leadership, business, or personal situations. The term conveys a sense of determination and clarity.
Frequency#17524DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being 果断 is often valued in leaders and businesspeople, as decisiveness is associated with strength and reliability. It reflects the cultural expectation for individuals to take charge in critical situations.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fruit (果) that has been cut (断) decisively. The image of slicing through a fruit represents making a clear decision without hesitation, helping you remember both the pronunciation 'guǒduàn' and its meaning of decisiveness.
Meanings of 果断
guǒduàn(guo3duan4)
1firm
2decisive
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 果断
果断Simplified
果斷Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
副形词xíngróngcíadj-adverb (adj.-adv.)Part of Speech
#17524Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 果断
Podcast: 果断
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AI Study Notes for 果断
Quick Contrast
果断 (decisive) vs 坚定 (steadfast) — choose 果断 when emphasizing quick decision-making, while 坚定 focuses on unwavering resolve.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a fruit (果) that has been cut (断) decisively. The image of slicing through a fruit represents making a clear decision without hesitation, helping you remember both the pronunciation 'guǒduàn' and its meaning of decisiveness.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 果断 with other similar terms like 毅然 (yìrán), which means resolutely but has a slightly different nuance. It is typically used in formal contexts, especially in business discussions. Avoid using it in overly casual settings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 果断 connects with other advanced vocabulary about decision-making and leadership. Students should focus on using it in sentences that illustrate its connotations, such as discussing a leader's qualities or personal decisions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being 果断 is often valued in leaders and businesspeople, as decisiveness is associated with strength and reliability. It reflects the cultural expectation for individuals to take charge in critical situations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 果断 with the less decisive 毅然 (yìrán). For example, saying '他是一个毅然的人' (tā shì yīgè yìrán de rén) instead of '果断的人' (guǒduàn de rén) misses the nuance of decisiveness.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 果断
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Grammar Patterns of 果断
果断 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
我工作非常有效率，处事____，而且判断准确。
I work very efficiently and am decisive, and accurate in my judgement.
I work very efficiently and am decisive, and accurate in my judgement.
2
法国人采取了迅速而果断的行动来保护他们的产业。
fǎ guó rén cǎi qǔ le xùn sù ér guǒ duàn de háng dòng lái bǎo hù tā mén de chǎn yè。
The French have acted swiftly and decisively to protect their industries.
3
“我10点半去接你，”她果断地说道。
“ “10 wǒ 10 diǎn bàn qù，” jiē nǐ ，” tā guǒ duàn。
"I'll call for you at half ten," she said decisively.
4
她走出了浴室,动作果断但是笨拙, 她本想大踏步走去, 却被那又长又丑的裙子给绊住了.
tā zǒu chū le yù shì, , dòng zuò guǒ duàn dàn shì bèn, zhuō , tā běn xiǎng dà tà bù, zǒu qù , què bèi nà yòu cháng yòu chǒu de qún zǐ gěi.
Decisively , but awkwardly, she left the bathroom, her stride hampered by the long ugly skirt.
Cultural Notes for 果断
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, being 果断 is often valued in leaders and businesspeople, as decisiveness is associated with strength and reliability. It reflects the cultural expectation for individuals to take charge in critical situations.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, decisiveness is also valued, but there may be more emphasis on consensus and collaboration before making decisions, contrasting with the individual assertiveness often seen in Chinese contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions about 果断
You can say: '他在面临困难时非常果断', which means 'He is very decisive when facing difficulties.'
It is more common in formal or professional contexts but can also be used in everyday conversation to describe someone's character.
Synonyms include 决断 (juéduàn) and 毅然 (yìrán), though their usage may vary slightly in context.
