COMPONENTS & ETYMOLOGY
How 短 is built
Traditional etymology note: 矢 (dart) suggests the meaning, while 豆 suggests the pronunciation.
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How to Write 短 (duǎn) — Chinese Character Stroke Order, Meaning & Practice Sheet
short
duǎnTone 3 (Dipping)Let your pitch fall, then rise.
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STROKE BY STROKE
Static stroke diagrams
Follow all 12 strokes in the correct order.
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StrokeSheetCharacter Writing Worksheet
duǎn
短
short
Common words
duǎn kù
短裤
short pants; shorts
duǎn xìn
短信
text message; SMS
duǎn chù
短处
shortcoming; defect; fault; one's weak points
duǎn qī
短期
short term; short-term
suō duǎn
缩短
to shorten; to reduce; to curtail
cháng duǎn
长短
length; accident; mishap; right and wrong; good and bad; merits and demerits
Follow the stroke order, then write it on your own.
短
短
短
短
短
短
短
短
LEARNING TIP
Remember 短
Say “duǎn” aloud as you replay the animation. Then hide the model and write the 12 strokes from memory. Short, repeated practice builds a stronger visual and motor connection.
Practice on CanvasWORDS WITH 短
Common words and phrases
duǎn kù
short pants; shorts
duǎn xìn
text message; SMS
duǎn chù
shortcoming; defect; fault; one's weak points
duǎn qī
short term; short-term
suō duǎn
to shorten; to reduce; to curtail
cháng duǎn
length; accident; mishap; right and wrong; good and bad; merits and demerits
Frequently asked questions
How many strokes are in 短?
短 is written with 12 strokes.
What does 短 (duǎn) mean?
短 (duǎn) means short.
What is the radical of 短?
The radical of 短 is 矢, associated with Not yet classified.