简短

• Pinyin: jiǎn duǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 简 = 竹 (bamboo) + 间 (between) — simplicity; 短 = 矢 (arrow) + 豆 (bean) — short

Meaning

Brief; short; concise. Describing something that is short in duration or length.

Often used to describe speeches, messages, meetings, or documents that are appropriately brief without being incomplete. Carries a generally positive connotation of efficiency and respect for others' time. Can describe both time duration and textual length.

Examples

1. 他的发言简短有力，赢得了全场热烈的掌声。 His speech was brief and powerful, winning warm applause from the entire audience.
2. 请用简短的语言概括这篇文章的主旨。 Please summarize the main point of this article in brief language.
3. 虽然只是一次简短的会面，却给我留下了深刻印象。 Although it was just a brief meeting, it left a deep impression on me.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, speaking, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请保持你的回答简短明了。(Please keep your answer brief and clear.)
• 简短的休息后，我们继续开会。(After a brief break, we'll continue the meeting.)

Don't Say

• 用'简短'形容敷衍了事的工作 (Don't use 简短 to describe sloppy or perfunctory work — 简短 has a positive connotation of efficiency; use 草率 or 敷衍 for careless brevity)

Origin & History

Composed of 简 (simple; brief) + 短 (short). A straightforward compound emphasizing brevity.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal