短

• Pinyin: duǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 短 = 矢 (arrow, measure) + 豆 (phonetic component)

Meaning

Short. Describes shortness in length, duration, or distance. The opposite of 长 (long).

Used for physical length (a short skirt), time duration (a short break), and distance. Not used for the height of people — use 矮 for that.

Examples

1. 这条裤子太短了，我穿不了。 These trousers are too short — I can't wear them.
2. 我们休息的时间很短。 Our break time is very short.
3. 他的头发比以前短了很多。 His hair is much shorter than before.

Usage Guide

Context: descriptions, clothing, time

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 时间太短了，做不完。(There's too little time — I can't finish.)
• 你的头发剪短了。(You got your hair cut short.)

Don't Say

• 不要用'短'形容人的身高 — for describing a person's height as short, use 矮 (ǎi). 短 is only for length of objects or duration of time.

Origin & History

An ancient character. The left component 矢 (arrow) suggests measurement, while 豆 (bean, vessel) serves as a phonetic element.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal