短 (duǎn) - Meaning, Stroke Order, Words & Examples

Q: What does 短 (duǎn) mean in Chinese?

The Chinese character 短 (duǎn) means "Short (in length or duration).". It is an HSK Level 2 character, with 12 strokes and the radical 矢.

Q: How do you write 短 stroke by stroke?

短 has 12 strokes. The radical is 矢. Follow the standard stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. Practice with stroke animation to build muscle memory.

Q: What's the difference between 短 and 矫?

短 (duǎn) and 矫 look similar but differ in meaning and usage. Check the radical and stroke count to tell them apart.

Q: What mistakes do learners make writing 短?

Common mistake: incorrect stroke order or miswriting the radical 矢. Pay attention to the proportion between components — keep the radical compact.

Q: What common words use 短?

Common words containing 短 include: 短裤 (duǎn kù) — Shorts.; 短信 (duǎn xìn) — Text message; SMS.; 简短 (jiǎn duǎn) — brief / short.

How to Write 短

The character 短 (duǎn) is written with 12 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 矢 is one of its key components.

Practice the correct stroke order with the Hanzi Writer app to see animated stroke-by-stroke guidance with real-time feedback.

Meaning & Pronunciation

短 is pronounced duǎn in Mandarin Chinese. It means Short (in length or duration)..

As an HSK Level 2 character, 短 is among the first characters beginners learn.

Common Words with 短

短裤 duǎn kù

Shorts.

短信 duǎn xìn

Text message; SMS.

简短 jiǎn duǎn

brief / short

Example Sentences

夏天穿短裤很凉快。

xià tiān chuān duǎn kù hěn liáng kuài

Wearing shorts in summer is very cool.

我给你发了短信。

wǒ gěi nǐ fā le duǎn xìn

I sent you a text message.

这个事情请请简短说明一下。

zhè ge shì qíng qǐng qǐng jiǎn duǎn shuō míng yī xià 。

Please explain this matter briefly.

Similar Characters

矫 jiǎo

矬 cuó

矮 ǎi

Practice Writing 短 (duǎn)

Open Hanzi Writer to see the animated stroke order and practice writing 短 with real-time feedback.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 短

What does 短 (duǎn) mean in Chinese?

How do you write 短 stroke by stroke?

What's the difference between 短 and 矫?

What mistakes do learners make writing 短?

What common words use 短?

How to Write 短 (duǎn)