断絶

• Reading: だんぜつ
• Romaji: danzetsu
• Kanji breakdown: 断 (dan) — to cut off, sever | 絶 (zetsu) — to cease, be extinct
• Pronunciation: /dan.ze.tsɯ/

Meaning

Severance; rupture; discontinuation. A complete break in a relationship, lineage, communication, or continuity.

A noun and suru verb (断絶する) describing a total and often irreversible break. Unlike 中断 (interruption, which implies resumption is possible), 断絶 suggests a permanent severing. Used in contexts ranging from diplomatic relations (国交断絶) to family estrangement (親子断絶) and generational discontinuity (世代間断絶).

Examples

1. 親子の断絶は、どちらにとっても長く深い傷を残すものだ。 A severance between parent and child leaves deep, lasting wounds on both sides.
2. 戦争によって国交が断絶し、長年にわたって両国間の交流が途絶えた。 Diplomatic relations were severed by the war, and exchange between the two countries ceased for many years.
3. 世代間の価値観の断絶が、職場内の深刻な摩擦の原因となっている。 The generational disconnect in values has become a source of serious friction in the workplace.

Usage Guide

Context: family relations, diplomacy, sociology, literature

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 断 (dan) meaning 'to cut off, sever, refuse' and 絶 (zetsu) meaning 'to cease, cut, be extinct'. Both characters independently carry meanings of severance, and together they reinforce the finality of the break.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal