断

斷
duàn
HSK 4
#434 most
frequent character
to break, to snap, to cut off
verb

Character breakdown

Source: Make Me a Hanzi.

断 shows silk thread being cut alongside 斤, an axe. The first part alone gave the meaning 'to cut in two'; the axe was added later to strengthen the idea. From there the sense widened to break, cease, and decide.

Drawn as: silk thread being cut; an axe

断 as a component in other characters

sound1 character
簖

Ask DeepSeek

Example Sentences

他把绳子断了。
tā bǎ shéngzǐ duàn le 。
He broke the rope.
我决定断绝和他的联系。
wǒ juédìng duànjué hé tāde liánxì 。
I decided to cut off contact with him.
该是一个断开的时刻了。
gāishì yígè duànkāi de shíkè le 。
It is time to cut off now.

Words with similar meanings

切断qiēduàn
to cut off
This expression is more specific to physically severing something, often used in technical or formal contexts.
中断zhōngduàn
to interrupt
This word emphasizes the act of breaking continuity, often used in contexts of stopping something abruptly.

Words Starting With 断

断定duàn dìng
to conclude; to determine; to come to a judgment
断断续续duàn duàn xù xù
intermittent; off and on; discontinuous; stop-go; stammering; disjointed; inarticulate
断绝duàn jué
to sever; to break off

Your word lists

Sign in to add this word to your private lists.