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    Chinese Grammar

    Describing something as 'short' with 短 (duǎn)

    Comparison
    Description & Modification

    Structure

    短短 + Number + Measure Word + Noun

    Explanation

    The adjective 短 (duǎn) means 'short' in terms of length or duration. It is the opposite of 长 (long) and can describe physical objects or periods of time. When reduplicated as 短短, it emphasizes how brief or small the duration or distance is.

    Examples

    • 冬天的白天很短，天黑得特别早。

      Dōngtiān de báitiān hěn duǎn, tiān hēi de tèbié zǎo.

      Winter days are very short, and it gets dark especially early.

    • 短短几年，这个城市变化太大了。

      Duǎnduǎn jǐ nián, zhège chéngshì biànhuà tài dà le.

      In just a few years, this city has changed so much.

    • 这条裤子有点短，你再试一条吧。

      Zhè tiáo kùzi yǒudiǎn duǎn, nǐ zài shì yì tiáo ba.

      These pants are a bit short; try another pair.

    Often Confused With

    Describing something as 'short' with 短 (duǎn) | Chinese Grammar