Structure Analysis: 会意字，从矢（箭矢），从豆（容器）。本义指箭矢长度不足（如"短箭"），现指时间/空间不足（如"短期"）(Ideogrammic compound: "矢" (arrow) + "豆" (vessel). Originally meant "short arrow", now means "time/space deficiency".)
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Duǎn (Third tone)
3. Meaning
Short; brief; lacking; insufficient; to be deficient; shortcoming; weakness; to shorten; to reduce.
4. Common Words
短期 (duǎn qī) Short-term
短处 (duǎn chu) Shortcoming
短信 (duǎn xìn) Text message
缩短 (suō duǎn) Shorten
5. Grammar & Usage
The character 短 (duǎn) is primarily used as an adjective, but can also be a noun or part of verbs:
As an adjective: Describes something of short length or duration. Example: 短时间 (duǎn shí jiān) - short time
As a noun: Refers to shortcomings or weaknesses. Example: 取长补�� (qǔ cháng bǔ duǎn) - learn from others' strong points to offset one's own weaknesses
In compound verbs: Often used to mean 'to shorten' or 'to reduce'. Example: 缩短 (suō duǎn) - to shorten
In comparative structures: Used with 比 (bǐ) to compare lengths. Example: 这个比那个短 (zhè ge bǐ nà ge duǎn) - This is shorter than that
6. Cultural Background
The character 短 (duǎn) has several cultural implications:
In Chinese culture, there's a traditional belief that "short life is precious", emphasizing the value of making the most of limited time.
The concept of 取长补短 (qǔ cháng bǔ duǎn) reflects the Chinese philosophy of learning from others to improve oneself.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the balance between yin and yang is crucial, and an imbalance can be described as having "too much" or "too little" (长短).
Short messages (短信) have become an integral part of modern Chinese communication, especially with the widespread use of mobile phones.
In Chinese literature and poetry, descriptions of short moments often carry deep emotional significance, such as 短暂的相遇 (a brief encounter).