短暂

• Pinyin: duǎn zàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 短 = 矢 (arrow, measure) + 豆 (phonetic); 暂 = 车 (vehicle) + 斤 (axe) + 日 (sun) — a fleeting moment before the sun moves on

Meaning

Brief, fleeting, or short-lived. Describes something that lasts only a short time, often with an emotional sense of impermanence or poignancy.

Carries a nuance of significance — the brevity itself is noteworthy. Used for moments, experiences, relationships, or lives: 短暂的青春 (fleeting youth), 短暂的停留 (brief stop), 短暂的生命 (brief life). More emotionally weighted than 短 alone. Common in literary and reflective writing, as well as official visit descriptions.

Examples

1. 他们的相遇虽然短暂，却在彼此心中留下了深刻的印记。 Their meeting was brief, but it left a deep mark on both of their hearts.
2. 这次短暂的访问让双方代表加深了了解，为后续合作奠定了基础。 This short visit helped both delegations understand each other better and laid the groundwork for future cooperation.
3. 人类文明在宇宙尺度上只是短暂的一瞬，这令许多哲学家感到敬畏。 On a cosmic scale, human civilization is only a fleeting moment, which fills many philosophers with awe.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, philosophy, reflection, diplomacy

Tone: contemplative

Do Say

• 尽管此次访华行程短暂，外国元首仍对中国近年来的发展成就表示高度赞赏。(Although the visit to China was brief, the foreign head of state expressed high appreciation for China's development achievements in recent years.)
• 短暂的休整之后，部队重新集结，准备执行下一阶段的任务。(After a brief rest, the troops regrouped and prepared to carry out the next phase of the mission.)

Don't Say

• 这根绳子很短暂 — 短暂 refers to time, not physical length; for physical shortness use 短; say 这段时间很短暂 for a brief period of time

Origin & History

短 (short in duration) + 暂 (temporary/momentary)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal