短 (duǎn)

An adjective meaning "short" in length or duration. It is used for physical dimensions (a short rope) and time (a short period). Its antonym is 长 (cháng), meaning "long." Do not confuse with 矮 (ǎi), which means short in height (of a person).

Meanings

[adjective] Short (in physical length or time duration).

Example Sentences

这条裙子太短了。 Zhè tiáo qúnzi tài duǎn le. This skirt is too short.

他的头发很短。 Tā de tóufa hěn duǎn. His hair is very short.

这篇文章太短了，能写长一点吗？ Zhè piān wénzhāng tài duǎn le, néng xiě cháng yīdiǎn ma? This article is too short, can you write it a bit longer?

我们相识的时间很短。 Wǒmen xiāngshí de shíjiān hěn duǎn. The time we have known each other is very short.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
很短	very short
短时间	a short time
短头发	short hair
短裤	shorts (short pants)
短信	text message (short message)
长短	length (long and short)

Memory Hook

Antonym of 长 (cháng, long). 短 has the 矢 (arrow) radical — an arrow is compact and short compared to a long spear. Short and sharp.