When you want to say “to shorten” or “to curtail” something in Chinese, you can use the verb 缩短 (suō duǎn).
This word is useful in many everyday situations, like shortening a meeting or reducing a distance. You can use it when talking about time, length, or even the duration of an event. For example, if a speech is too long, you might say it needs to be 缩短. Similarly, if a path is too long, you might look for a way to 缩短 the journey.
When you want to express the idea of making something shorter, whether it's a physical object, a duration of time, or even a distance, you can use the Chinese verb 缩短 (suō duǎn). It literally means "to shrink short." Think of it as reducing the length or period of something.
For example, if a meeting is going on for too long, you might suggest 缩短会议时间 (suō duǎn huì yì shí jiān), which means "to shorten the meeting time." Or, if you're talking about clothes, you could say 缩短裤子 (suō duǎn kù zi) to mean "to shorten the pants."
It's a very practical verb for everyday situations where you need to make things briefer or more compact. You'll hear it quite often in discussions about efficiency or adjustments.
When you want to express the idea of making something shorter, the Chinese word to use is 缩短 (suōduǎn). It's a versatile verb that can apply to many situations.
For example, you can 缩短 a piece of clothing, like 缩短裤子 (suōduǎn kùzi) to shorten trousers. You can also use it for less tangible things, such as 缩短距离 (suōduǎn jùlí), meaning to shorten the distance, or 缩短时间 (suōduǎn shíjiān), to shorten the time.
Think of it as the opposite of extending or lengthening. It's a very practical word to know in daily conversations.
When talking about making something shorter, whether it's a physical distance, a period of time, or even a process, 缩短 (suōduǎn) is the word you'll want to use. It means 'to shorten' or 'to curtail.'
For example, if you want to say 'shorten the distance,' you would say 缩短距离 (suōduǎn jùlí). If you're looking to 'shorten the time' something takes, you'd use 缩短时间 (suōduǎn shíjiān).
You can also use it in contexts like 'shorten the meeting,' which would be 缩短会议 (suōduǎn huìyì), or 'shorten the process,' 缩短过程 (suōduǎn guòchéng).
It's a very practical verb that you'll find useful in many everyday situations.
缩短 in 30 Sekunden
- make shorter
- reduce length
- curtail duration
Alright, so you've learned what 缩短 (suō duǎn) means: to shorten or curtail something. But how do you actually hear and use this in daily Chinese conversations? Let's break it down by looking at how it's used in common situations like work, school, and the news.
§ In the Workplace
In a work setting, you'll often hear 缩短 (suō duǎn) when talking about efficiency, deadlines, or project timelines. Everyone wants to finish things faster, right? So, shortening work hours, project phases, or even commute times is a hot topic.
我们应该想办法缩短会议时间。
- Translation Hint
- We should find a way to shorten the meeting time.
公司正在努力缩短产品开发周期。
- Translation Hint
- The company is working hard to shorten the product development cycle.
§ In a School Context
School life also offers many chances to use 缩短 (suō duǎn). Maybe a teacher wants to shorten a lecture, or students are hoping to shorten their study time for an exam (good luck with that!).
老师决定缩短作业的截止日期。
- Translation Hint
- The teacher decided to shorten the homework deadline.
我们可以通过小组合作来缩短完成报告的时间。
- Translation Hint
- We can shorten the time to finish the report through group work.
§ In News and Public Discourse
When you're reading or watching the news, 缩短 (suō duǎn) pops up frequently, especially when discussing policy changes, economic adjustments, or even social trends.
政府计划缩短节假日。
- Translation Hint
- The government plans to shorten public holidays.
科学家正在研究如何缩短疾病的康复期。
- Translation Hint
- Scientists are researching how to shorten the recovery period for diseases.
When you're trying to describe making something physically shorter, like a rope or a dress, you can also use 缩短 (suō duǎn), but you might also hear other verbs like 剪短 (jiǎn duǎn) for cutting shorter.
Keep an ear out for this word. It's really common in discussions about efficiency, time management, and making things more concise. The more you hear it, the more natural it will become for you to use it.
§ Don't Confuse with Other Words
Many learners get 缩短 (suōduǎn) mixed up with other Chinese words that also relate to making things smaller or shorter. It's easy to do, especially when you're just starting out. But paying attention to the nuances will really help you sound more natural.
- DEFINITION
- To make something physically shorter, or to reduce a period of time.
Let's look at some common confusions:
- 减少 (jiǎnshǎo) - To reduce; to decrease: While both involve making something less, 减少 is more about reducing quantity or amount. 缩短 specifically refers to length or duration.
我们需要减少开支。(Wǒmen xūyào jiǎnshǎo kāizhī.) We need to reduce expenses.
我们应该缩短会议时间。(Wǒmen yīnggāi suōduǎn huìyì shíjiān.) We should shorten the meeting time.
- 缩小 (suōxiǎo) - To shrink; to reduce in size: While 缩小 can mean to make something smaller, it often refers to a reduction in overall size or scope, not necessarily just length or time. Think of it like shrinking an image.
他把照片缩小了。(Tā bǎ zhàopiàn suōxiǎo le.) He shrunk the photo.
我们缩短了项目周期。(Wǒmen suōduǎn le xiàngmù zhōuqī.) We shortened the project cycle.
§ Incorrect Usage with Abstract Concepts
Another common error is using 缩短 with abstract concepts that don't have a clear 'length' or 'duration.' While you can shorten a meeting (time), you wouldn't typically 'shorten' a problem or a difficulty. For those, you'd use different verbs.
- INCORRECT EXAMPLE
- 缩短问题 (suōduǎn wèntí) - (Incorrect for 'shorten a problem')
- CORRECT ALTERNATIVES
- 解决问题 (jiějué wèntí) - To solve a problem
- 简化问题 (jiǎnhuà wèntí) - To simplify a problem
我们必须解决这个问题。(Wǒmen bìxū jiějué zhège wèntí.) We must solve this problem.
§ Overusing 缩短 for Efficiency
Sometimes learners, in an effort to express efficiency or making things quicker, might overuse 缩短. While it can apply to time, there are often more precise or natural ways to say you're making a process more efficient or accelerating something.
- EXAMPLE
- 我们可以缩短生产周期。(Wǒmen kěyǐ suōduǎn shēngchǎn zhōuqī.) We can shorten the production cycle.
This is correct. But if you want to say 'speed up' a process, you might use different vocabulary:
- ALTERNATIVE
- 加快 (jiākuài) - To speed up; to accelerate
我们应该加快进度。(Wǒmen yīnggāi jiākuài jìndù.) We should speed up the progress.
Mastering these distinctions will make your Chinese much more precise. Keep practicing and pay attention to how native speakers use these words in different contexts!
Aussprachehilfe
- Incorrect tone on 'duan' (should be fourth tone, falling tone).
Beispiele nach Niveau
我们怎么才能缩短开会时间？
How can we shorten the meeting time?
Here, 缩短 is used with a noun (meeting time) as its object.
这条新路可以缩短行程。
This new road can shorten the journey.
缩短 is used with a noun (journey) as its object.
为了缩短等待时间，我们多开了一个窗口。
To shorten the waiting time, we opened another window.
Here, 缩短 is followed by a noun phrase (waiting time).
请你把这篇文章缩短一下。
Please shorten this article a bit.
缩短 is used with a noun (article) as its object, followed by a measure word.
他努力缩短了工作时间。
He tried to shorten his working hours.
缩短 is used with a noun phrase (working hours) as its object.
我们可以缩短这个项目的完成日期吗？
Can we shorten the completion date of this project?
缩短 is used with a noun phrase (completion date) as its object.
为了缩短距离，他走了捷径。
To shorten the distance, he took a shortcut.
缩短 is used with a noun (distance) as its object.
这个机器可以缩短生产过程。
This machine can shorten the production process.
缩短 is used with a noun phrase (production process) as its object.
我们需要缩短会议时间，以便大家能按时下班。
We need to shorten the meeting time so everyone can leave on time.
为了缩短通勤时间，他搬到了离公司更近的地方。
To shorten his commute, he moved closer to the company.
公司决定缩短生产周期，以应对市场需求。
The company decided to shorten the production cycle to meet market demand.
医生建议他缩短工作时间，多休息。
The doctor advised him to shorten his working hours and rest more.
这座桥的建成，大大缩短了两地之间的距离。
The completion of this bridge greatly shortened the distance between the two places.
为了提高效率，我们必须缩短项目的研发时间。
To improve efficiency, we must shorten the project's R&D time.
她希望通过锻炼来缩短恢复期。
She hopes to shorten the recovery period through exercise.
我们正在努力缩短客户等待的时间。
We are working hard to shorten the customer waiting time.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
我们应该缩短开会时间。
We should shorten the meeting time.
这条路可以缩短行程。
This road can shorten the journey.
他想缩短与父母的距离。
He wants to shorten the distance with his parents.
公司正在努力缩短产品上市时间。
The company is working to shorten the time to market for products.
为了提高效率，我们需要缩短工作流程。
To improve efficiency, we need to shorten the workflow.
老师要求我们缩短作文篇幅。
The teacher asked us to shorten the length of the essay.
这种疾病会缩短病人的寿命。
This disease will shorten the patient's lifespan.
他们成功缩短了项目周期。
They successfully shortened the project cycle.
请你帮我把裤子缩短一点。
Please help me shorten my pants a bit.
我们必须缩短学徒期。
We must shorten the apprenticeship period.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
"缩短距离 (suōduǎn jùlí)"
To shorten the distance; to bridge a gap.
通过科技，我们可以缩短人与人之间的距离。 (Through technology, we can shorten the distance between people.)
neutral"缩短时间 (suōduǎn shíjiān)"
To shorten time.
为了缩短完成任务的时间，我们需要更有效率。 (To shorten the time to complete the task, we need to be more efficient.)
neutral"缩短工期 (suōduǎn gōngqī)"
To shorten the construction period/project timeline.
他们想办法缩短工期，提前交付项目。 (They found a way to shorten the construction period and deliver the project ahead of schedule.)
neutral"缩短生产周期 (suōduǎn shēngchǎn zhōuqī)"
To shorten the production cycle.
改进生产流程可以帮助我们缩短生产周期。 (Improving the production process can help us shorten the production cycle.)
formal"缩短寿命 (suōduǎn shòumìng)"
To shorten lifespan.
不良习惯可能会缩短一个人的寿命。 (Bad habits may shorten a person's lifespan.)
neutral"缩短行程 (suōduǎn xíngchéng)"
To shorten the journey/trip.
我们乘坐高铁，大大缩短了回家的行程。 (We took the high-speed train, greatly shortening the journey home.)
neutral"缩短差距 (suōduǎn chājù)"
To shorten the gap; to narrow the difference.
我们需要努力缩短与其他国家的经济差距。 (We need to work hard to narrow the economic gap with other countries.)
neutral"缩短战线 (suōduǎn zhànxiàn)"
To shorten the battle line; to consolidate forces.
为了集中兵力，指挥官决定缩短战线。 (To concentrate forces, the commander decided to shorten the battle line.)
formal"缩短等待时间 (suōduǎn děngdài shíjiān)"
To shorten waiting time.
医院正在努力缩短病人的等待时间。 (The hospital is working hard to shorten patients' waiting times.)
neutral"缩短篇幅 (suōduǎn piānfú)"
To shorten the length of an article/text.
编辑建议作者缩短篇幅，让文章更精炼。 (The editor suggested the author shorten the length to make the article more concise.)
neutralSo verwendest du es
缩短 (suōduǎn) means to make something shorter. This can be used for physical length, duration of time, or even metaphorical 'distance' like a gap between two things. It's a common and practical verb to use when you want to express the idea of reducing the length or duration of something. For example: 缩短距离 (suōduǎn jùlí) - to shorten the distance. 缩短时间 (suōduǎn shíjiān) - to shorten the time. 缩短会议 (suōduǎn huìyì) - to shorten the meeting.
A common mistake is confusing 缩短 (suōduǎn) with verbs like '减少' (jiǎnshǎo) which means 'to reduce' or 'to decrease' in a more general sense. While 缩短 implies reduction, it specifically refers to making something shorter in length or duration. For example:
Incorrect: 减少裤子 (jiǎnshǎo kùzi) - This sounds like you're reducing the number of pants, not making them shorter.
Correct: 缩短裤子 (suōduǎn kùzi) - to shorten the pants.
Also, remember that 缩短 is a verb. Don't use it as an adjective. If you want to say 'shortened', you would typically use '被缩短的' (bèi suōduǎn de) or describe the result of the action.Tipps
Basic Meaning of 缩短
缩短 (suō duǎn) literally means to shorten or to curtail. Think of it as making something physically or temporally shorter.
Using 缩短 with Time
You can use 缩短 to talk about making a period of time shorter. For example, 缩短时间 (suō duǎn shí jiān) means to shorten the time.
Using 缩短 with Length/Distance
It's also used for physical length or distance. 缩短距离 (suō duǎn jù lí) means to shorten the distance.
Sentence Structure: Subject + 缩短 + Object
The basic sentence structure is straightforward: Subject + 缩短 + Object. For example, 我们需要缩短会议 (wǒ men xū yào suō duǎn huì yì) – We need to shorten the meeting.
Using 缩短 with abstract concepts
You can use 缩短 with more abstract concepts too, like 缩短差距 (suō duǎn chā jù) – to narrow the gap.
Example: Shorten waiting time
请缩短等待时间。 (Qǐng suō duǎn děng dài shí jiān.) – Please shorten the waiting time.
Example: Shorten the report
他决定缩短报告。 (Tā jué dìng suō duǎn bào gào.) – He decided to shorten the report.
Example: Shorten the distance
这条新路缩短了路程。 (Zhè tiáo xīn lù suō duǎn le lù chéng.) – This new road shortened the journey.
Don't confuse with 减少 (jiǎn shǎo)
While both can mean to reduce, 缩短 specifically refers to making something shorter (length or time), whereas 减少 is more general for reducing quantity or amount.
Practice with daily phrases
Try to incorporate 缩短 into your daily Chinese practice. Think about things you want to shorten, like 缩短工作时间 (suō duǎn gōng zuò shí jiān) – shorten work hours.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Imagine a 'suo' (lock) that's 'duan' (short). When you lock something short, you shorten it. Suo-duan = shorten.
Visuelle Assoziation
Picture a tailor with a large pair of scissors, dramatically *shortening* a long piece of fabric. The sound 'suo duan' echoes as the fabric is cut shorter and shorter.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to shorten these sentences in Chinese: 1. 我们可以缩短会议时间吗？ (Wǒmen kěyǐ suōduǎn huìyì shíjiān ma? - Can we shorten the meeting time?) 2. 缩短学习时间有助于提高效率。 (Suōduǎn xuéxí shíjiān yǒuzhù yú tígāo xiàolǜ. - Shortening study time helps improve efficiency.) 3. 为了节省开支，公司决定缩短员工的假期。 (Wèile jiéshěng kāizhī, gōngsī juédìng suōduǎn yuángōng de jiàqī. - To save expenses, the company decided to shorten employees' holidays.)
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Time management
- 缩短开会时间 (to shorten meeting time)
- 缩短学习时间 (to shorten study time)
- 缩短等待时间 (to shorten waiting time)
Distance/Length
- 缩短距离 (to shorten the distance)
- 缩短绳子 (to shorten a rope)
- 缩短裤长 (to shorten pant length)
Processes/Procedures
- 缩短流程 (to shorten a process)
- 缩短审核周期 (to shorten the review period)
- 缩短生产周期 (to shorten the production cycle)
Work/Tasks
- 缩短工作时间 (to shorten work hours)
- 缩短完成任务的时间 (to shorten the time to complete a task)
- 缩短项目周期 (to shorten the project cycle)
Relationships (less common, but possible)
- 缩短彼此的距离 (to shorten the distance between each other - figuratively, meaning to get closer)
- 缩短心与心的距离 (to shorten the distance between hearts - figuratively)
Gesprächseinstiege
"你有什么方法可以缩短每天通勤的时间吗？ (Do you have any ways to shorten your daily commute time?)"
"为了缩短学习新语言的时间，你觉得最有效的方法是什么？ (To shorten the time it takes to learn a new language, what do you think is the most effective method?)"
"在你的工作中，有没有什么环节是可以缩短的？ (In your work, are there any steps that can be shortened?)"
"你觉得缩短用餐时间对健康有影响吗？ (Do you think shortening meal times affects health?)"
"如果你可以缩短一天中的某个时间段，你会选择哪个，为什么？ (If you could shorten a certain period of the day, which one would you choose and why?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
描述一个你曾经成功缩短了某个过程或时间的情况。你是怎么做到的？ (Describe a situation where you successfully shortened a process or time. How did you do it?)
思考一下，在你的日常生活中，有哪些事情你希望可以缩短其持续时间？为什么？ (Think about it, in your daily life, what are some things you wish you could shorten the duration of? Why?)
写下你在学习中文时，有什么方法可以有效缩短记忆生词的时间。 (Write down any effective methods you use to shorten the time it takes to memorize new words when learning Chinese.)
设想一下，如果工作时间能够缩短，你会有更多的时间做些什么？ (Imagine, if working hours could be shortened, what would you do with more time?)
反思一下，你有没有因为想要缩短时间而牺牲了事情的质量？有什么经验教训？ (Reflect on whether you have ever sacrificed the quality of something for the sake of shortening time. What lessons did you learn?)
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenThink of it as 'shrink' (缩) and 'short' (短). When you put them together, you get 'shrink short,' which means to shorten. Practice saying it aloud and use it in simple sentences. For example, you can think of things that are shortened, like '缩短时间' (shorten time) or '缩短距离' (shorten distance).
Absolutely! '缩短' is often used for abstract concepts. For example, you can say '我们可以缩短会议时间' (We can shorten the meeting time) or '他们试图缩短研发周期' (They are trying to shorten the research and development cycle). It's very versatile.
Good question! '缩短' implies an action of making something shorter, like someone or something actively shortening something. '变短' simply means to become shorter, suggesting a change in state without necessarily an active agent. For instance, '这件衣服缩短了' (This piece of clothing was shortened – by someone) vs. '这件衣服变短了' (This piece of clothing became shorter – maybe it shrank).
A very common one is '缩短距离' (suō duǎn jù lí), which means 'to shorten the distance.' You'll hear this often in contexts like travel or even figuratively for relationships.
Let's break it down: '缩' (suō) is first tone, like saying 'sew' but with an 's' sound. '短' (duǎn) is third tone, a dipping tone. Put them together: suō duǎn. Practice with an online dictionary or a native speaker to get the tones just right.
Not directly in the sense of 'shortening a person.' You wouldn't say '缩短一个人.' However, you can use it to talk about shortening something related to a person, like '缩短工作时间' (shorten working hours) for employees.
One common mistake is trying to use it for things that aren't literally being made shorter in length or duration. Remember, it's about reducing the length, time, or distance. Also, make sure to use it as a verb, not an adjective.
The most common opposite would be '延长' (yán cháng), which means 'to lengthen' or 'to extend.' So, if you '缩短时间,' you could also '延长' something else.
Sure! '我们应该想办法缩短通勤时间。' (Wǒmen yīnggāi xiǎng bànfǎ suōduǎn tōngqín shíjiān.) This means 'We should find a way to shorten the commute time.' Very practical, right?
'缩短' is a pretty neutral word. You can use it in both formal and informal contexts. It's a standard, useful verb for expressing the idea of shortening or curtailing something.
Teste dich selbst 84 Fragen
我们应该___会议时间。
The sentence means 'We should shorten the meeting time.' '缩短' (suōduǎn) means to shorten.
为了___工作时间，他常常很早来。
The sentence means 'To shorten his work time, he often comes very early.' '缩短' (suōduǎn) fits best here.
这个项目需要我们___开发周期。
The sentence means 'This project requires us to shorten the development cycle.' '缩短' (suōduǎn) means to make something shorter.
如果你想___路程，可以坐飞机。
The sentence means 'If you want to shorten the journey, you can take a plane.' '缩短' (suōduǎn) is the correct verb to use for shortening a distance.
老师建议我们___汇报内容，突出重点。
The sentence means 'The teacher suggested we shorten the report content and highlight the key points.' '缩短' (suōduǎn) is appropriate for making content briefer.
他努力工作，希望___和家人的分离时间。
The sentence means 'He works hard, hoping to shorten the time he is separated from his family.' '缩短' (suōduǎn) means to make a period of time shorter.
Choose the correct meaning for "缩短":
缩短 (suō duǎn) means to make something shorter.
Which sentence uses "缩短" correctly?
缩短 (suō duǎn) is used to indicate making something shorter, like a meeting.
Which of these can be "缩短"?
You can shorten time. You can't shorten colors, tastes, or sounds in this way.
缩短 (suō duǎn) means to make something longer.
缩短 (suō duǎn) means to make something shorter, not longer.
我们可以缩短这个距离吗？ (Can we shorten this distance?) is a correct use of 缩短.
Yes, you can shorten a distance, so this sentence is correct.
开会的时候，大家可以缩短说话。 (During the meeting, everyone can shorten talking.) This sentence means to talk less.
To 'shorten talking' in this context means to talk for a shorter duration or to speak less.
Write a short sentence using 缩短 to say 'shorten the time'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我们可以缩短时间。 (We can shorten the time.)
Use 缩短 in a sentence to express 'The meeting was shortened'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
会议被缩短了。 (The meeting was shortened.)
Write a sentence saying 'They want to shorten the distance'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
他们想缩短距离。 (They want to shorten the distance.)
根据这段话，作者希望电影怎么样？
Read this passage:
这个电影太长了。我希望他们能缩短一点。 这样我会更喜欢它。
根据这段话，作者希望电影怎么样？
passage says '我希望他们能缩短一点' which means 'I hope they can shorten it a bit'.
passage says '我希望他们能缩短一点' which means 'I hope they can shorten it a bit'.
根据这段话，学生希望怎么做？
Read this passage:
我们学校的假期太短了。我们希望可以缩短学习时间，增加假期。
根据这段话，学生希望怎么做？
The passage states '我们希望可以缩短学习时间', meaning 'We hope to shorten the study time'.
The passage states '我们希望可以缩短学习时间', meaning 'We hope to shorten the study time'.
他们为什么缩短旅行计划？
Read this passage:
因为下雨，所以我们缩短了旅行计划。 我们没有去所有的地方。
他们为什么缩短旅行计划？
The passage clearly states '因为下雨，所以我们缩短了旅行计划', meaning 'Because it rained, we shortened our travel plans'.
The passage clearly states '因为下雨，所以我们缩短了旅行计划', meaning 'Because it rained, we shortened our travel plans'.
为了___通勤时间，他搬到了公司附近。
The sentence means 'In order to shorten his commute, he moved near the company.' '缩短' (to shorten) fits the context perfectly.
老师建议我们___休息时间，以完成作业。
The sentence means 'The teacher suggested we shorten our break time to finish the homework.' '缩短' (to shorten) makes the most sense.
项目经理努力___工期，确保按时交付。
The sentence means 'The project manager tried to shorten the construction period to ensure on-time delivery.' '缩短' (to shorten) is the correct verb here.
如果你想___会议时间，就提前做好准备。
The sentence means 'If you want to shorten the meeting time, prepare in advance.' '缩短' (to shorten) is the appropriate word.
通过使用新技术，我们成功___了生产周期。
The sentence means 'By using new technology, we successfully shortened the production cycle.' '缩短' (to shorten) is the correct choice.
为了___等待时间，我们提前预订了机票。
The sentence means 'In order to shorten the waiting time, we booked tickets in advance.' '缩短' (to shorten) is the best fit.
We need to shorten the meeting time.
To improve efficiency, the boss decided to shorten the work process.
Days are short in winter and long in summer.
Read this aloud:
我希望可以缩短通勤时间。
Focus: 缩短 (suō duǎn)
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我们可以缩短这个报告的长度吗？
Focus: 缩短 (suō duǎn)
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
请你缩短你的发言，时间不够了。
Focus: 缩短 (suō duǎn)
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a sentence using 缩短 to say 'The meeting was shortened.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
会议缩短了。
Write a sentence using 缩短 to say 'Can we shorten the time?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我们能缩短时间吗？
Write a sentence using 缩短 to say 'He wants to shorten his working hours.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
他想缩短工作时间。
为什么他们决定缩短旅行路线？
Read this passage:
因为交通堵塞，我们决定缩短旅行路线。这样我们可以更快地到达目的地。
为什么他们决定缩短旅行路线？
文章中提到 '因为交通堵塞，我们决定缩短旅行路线。'
文章中提到 '因为交通堵塞，我们决定缩短旅行路线。'
公司为什么要缩短午休时间？
Read this passage:
为了提高效率，公司决定缩短午休时间。员工们现在有更多时间工作。
公司为什么要缩短午休时间？
文章中提到 '为了提高效率，公司决定缩短午休时间。'
文章中提到 '为了提高效率，公司决定缩短午休时间。'
根据老师的说法，如何缩短考试准备时间？
Read this passage:
老师说，如果大家努力学习，就能缩短考试准备时间。所以我们要更认真。
根据老师的说法，如何缩短考试准备时间？
文章中提到 '如果大家努力学习，就能缩短考试准备时间。'
文章中提到 '如果大家努力学习，就能缩短考试准备时间。'
为了___会议时间，请大家发言简短。
Here, '缩短' (to shorten) is the most appropriate verb to indicate making the meeting time shorter.
我们正在努力___项目周期，争取提前完成。
The context implies a desire to finish early, so '缩短' (to shorten) the project cycle fits best.
公司决定___午休时间，以提高工作效率。
To '缩短' (shorten) lunch break time is a common way to improve work efficiency.
为了___通勤时间，他搬到了公司附近。
Moving closer to work is done to '缩短' (shorten) the commute time.
医生建议病人___休息时间，促进身体恢复。
This sentence is a trick! Doctors usually advise extending rest time for recovery. If we consider the opposite for '缩短', it would imply reducing something that is beneficial, thus fitting the blank as a potential action, even if not the wisest. However, in the context of CEFR B1, this is to ensure understanding of the direct meaning of 缩短. Let's re-evaluate for clarity: if the sentence implies a *negative* outcome by shortening, then '缩短' is still the correct verb form for 'to shorten'. For a 'B1' level, it's about understanding the core meaning of the word. A more typical sentence would be to *extend* rest, but the blank asks for 'to shorten'. So, '缩短' is grammatically correct for the blank, even if the medical advice is questionable. Let's provide a better example that more naturally uses '缩短'. Let's assume the context is 'shortening a specific period' not generally 'rest time'. Let's use: 为了___等待时间，我们采用了新的系统。
为了___等待时间，我们采用了新的系统。
A new system is typically adopted to '缩短' (shorten) waiting times.
The speaker is talking about reducing the duration of a meeting.
Someone moved to make their daily travel shorter.
A company is trying to make its product development cycle shorter.
Read this aloud:
你应该缩短报告的长度。
Focus: suō duǎn
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
他们希望缩短工期。
Focus: gōng qī
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
有没有办法缩短等待时间？
Focus: děng dài shí jiān
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The correct order forms the sentence 'The meeting time was shortened.'
The correct order forms the sentence 'We need to shorten the project cycle.'
The correct order forms the sentence 'To improve efficiency, she shortened the report content.'
为了___通勤时间，他决定搬到公司附近。
To shorten the commute time, he decided to move near the company. '缩短' means to shorten.
公司正在考虑各种方案来___项目周期，以尽快将产品推向市场。
The company is considering various options to shorten the project cycle, in order to launch the product to market as soon as possible. '缩短' means to shorten.
为了___贫富差距，政府出台了一系列政策。
To shorten the gap between rich and poor, the government introduced a series of policies. '缩短' can also mean to narrow a gap.
老师建议我们___学习时间，而不是长时间疲劳学习。
The teacher advised us to shorten study periods, rather than studying for a long time while fatigued. '缩短' means to shorten.
通过技术创新，我们成功地___了生产流程，提高了效率。
Through technological innovation, we successfully shortened the production process and improved efficiency. '缩短' means to shorten.
为了___会议时间，请大家发言简明扼要。
To shorten the meeting time, please keep your speeches concise. '缩短' means to shorten.
You are a project manager. Write an email to your team explaining that the project timeline needs to be shortened due to new client demands. Include how this will impact their tasks and what is expected of them.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
团队成员们： 我写这封邮件是为了通知大家，由于最新的客户需求，我们的项目时间表需要缩短。这意味着我们需要加快工作进度以满足新的截止日期。我希望大家能够重新评估自己的任务并找出可以缩短完成时间的方法。请在今天结束前向我提交你们的调整计划。谢谢大家的合作！
You are writing a short story. Describe a character who tries to shorten their journey home but encounters an unexpected obstacle. Focus on their feelings and the consequences of their decision.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
为了缩短回家的旅程，李明决定走一条他从未走过的小路。起初，他感到一丝兴奋，但很快，一条被洪水冲毁的桥梁挡住了他的去路。他意识到自己不仅没有缩短路程，反而耽误了更多时间，沮丧之情油然而生。
Write a formal letter to a government agency requesting a policy change that would shorten the waiting period for a certain public service. Justify your request with clear arguments.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
尊敬的政府机构： 我写此信是为了请求贵机构考虑缩短当前公共服务项目的等待期。目前漫长的等待时间给申请人带来了极大的不便和负担。如果能够缩短等待期，将大大提高服务的效率和民众的满意度。我们相信，通过优化内部流程，实现这一目标是完全可行的。
根据文章，该公司缩短研发周期的目的是什么？
Read this passage:
一家高科技公司正在面临严峻的挑战，为了在激烈的市场竞争中生存下来，管理层决定实施一系列成本削减措施，其中之一就是缩短研发周期。他们希望通过更快的创新速度来抢占市场份额，但这也给研发团队带来了巨大的压力。
根据文章，该公司缩短研发周期的目的是什么？
文章中明确提到，“他们希望通过更快的创新速度来抢占市场份额”。
文章中明确提到，“他们希望通过更快的创新速度来抢占市场份额”。
文章指出，缩短通勤时间导致了什么问题？
Read this passage:
为了缩短通勤时间，许多城市居民选择搬到离工作地点更近的地方。然而，这也导致了城市中心的房价上涨，给低收入家庭带来了更大的经济压力。政府正在探索解决方案，以平衡通勤便利性和住房可负担性。
文章指出，缩短通勤时间导致了什么问题？
文章中提到，“这也导致了城市中心的房价上涨”。
文章中提到，“这也导致了城市中心的房价上涨”。
根据医生的建议，病人可以通过什么方式缩短康复期？
Read this passage:
医生建议病人通过规律运动和健康饮食来缩短康复期。虽然这需要病人的自律和坚持，但长期来看，对身体的恢复和整体健康都有显著益处。病人需要理解这是一个循序渐进的过程。
根据医生的建议，病人可以通过什么方式缩短康复期？
文章中明确提到，“医生建议病人通过规律运动和健康饮食来缩短康复期”。
文章中明确提到，“医生建议病人通过规律运动和健康饮食来缩短康复期”。
The speaker is talking about shortening a project cycle.
The speaker is talking about shortening commute time.
The speaker is talking about shortening the R&D process.
Read this aloud:
请你用“缩短”造一个句子，描述如何提高工作效率。
Focus: suō duǎn
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
讨论一下，科技进步是如何缩短人与人之间的距离的。
Focus: suō duǎn
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
如果公司想要缩短会议时间，你有什么建议？
Focus: suō duǎn
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you are a busy project manager. Write an email to your team proposing ways to "shorten" the project timeline without sacrificing quality. Use 缩短 at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
各位团队成员， 我正在思考如何有效缩短我们的项目时间表，同时确保项目质量不受影响。我建议我们审视当前的工作流程，找出可以提高效率的环节。例如，我们可以考虑并行处理某些任务，或者优化沟通方式以减少不必要的等待。请大家集思广益，提出具体可行的建议，帮助我们实现这一目标。期待大家的积极反馈。 谢谢， [你的名字]
You are a travel writer describing a new, more efficient route that will "shorten" the journey between two popular cities. Describe the new route and its benefits. Use 缩短 at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
好消息！一条全新的高速公路已经开通，它将大幅缩短从北京到上海的旅程时间。这条新路线避开了几个交通拥堵的区域，使得驾车旅行更加顺畅。游客们现在可以节省至少两个小时的行驶时间，这意味着他们有更多的时间去探索目的地。对于商务旅客而言，这也无疑是一个巨大的便利，能够提高他们的效率。
Write a short paragraph for a health and wellness blog discussing how mindful breathing techniques can help "shorten" feelings of stress and anxiety. Use 缩短 at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
在快节奏的现代生活中，我们常常被压力和焦虑所困扰。然而，简单的正念呼吸练习可以帮助我们有效地缩短这些负面情绪的持续时间。通过深而慢的呼吸，我们可以激活副交感神经系统，从而迅速平复心情，减轻身体的紧张感。每天花几分钟进行这样的练习，你会发现身心状态有显著改善。
根据这段文字，政府缩短对化石燃料依赖的目标是为了什么？
Read this passage:
为了应对全球气候变化的挑战，各国政府都在积极探索和实施各种能源转型政策。其中一个重要目标是缩短对化石燃料的依赖，转而发展可再生能源。这不仅有助于减少温室气体排放，还能促进经济的可持续发展，并创造新的就业机会。然而，实现这一转变需要巨大的投入和长期的努力。
根据这段文字，政府缩短对化石燃料依赖的目标是为了什么？
文中明确指出“这不仅有助于减少温室气体排放，还能促进经济的可持续发展，并创造新的就业机会”，因此选择A。
文中明确指出“这不仅有助于减少温室气体排放，还能促进经济的可持续发展，并创造新的就业机会”，因此选择A。
文章指出智能手机的普及可能带来了什么负面影响？
Read this passage:
现代科技的发展为我们提供了许多便利，但也带来了一些意想不到的后果。例如，智能手机的普及虽然缩短了人与人之间的物理距离，却可能在一定程度上加剧了人际关系的疏离感。人们花更多时间在虚拟世界中交流，而面对面的互动反而减少了。这引发了社会学家对现代人际交往模式的深入思考。
文章指出智能手机的普及可能带来了什么负面影响？
文中提到“智能手机的普及虽然缩短了人与人之间的物理距离，却可能在一定程度上加剧了人际关系的疏离感”，所以B是正确的。
文中提到“智能手机的普及虽然缩短了人与人之间的物理距离，却可能在一定程度上加剧了人际关系的疏离感”，所以B是正确的。
根据文章，主持人可以采取哪些措施来缩短会议时间？
Read this passage:
在快节奏的职场环境中，有效的会议管理变得尤为重要。一个成功的会议应该高效且富有成效，避免冗长的讨论。为了缩短会议时间，主持人可以提前分发议程，明确讨论主题，并严格控制发言时间。此外，鼓励与会者提前准备，也是确保会议高效进行的关键因素。
根据文章，主持人可以采取哪些措施来缩短会议时间？
文章中明确指出“为了缩短会议时间，主持人可以提前分发议程，明确讨论主题，并严格控制发言时间。”，因此C是正确答案。
文章中明确指出“为了缩短会议时间，主持人可以提前分发议程，明确讨论主题，并严格控制发言时间。”，因此C是正确答案。
This sentence means 'Enterprises win market competition by shortening delivery times.' The structure '以...赢得...' means 'to win... by means of...'.
This sentence translates to 'She tried to shorten the psychological distance between herself and her colleagues.' The phrase '与...之间' means 'between... and...'.
This sentence means 'In order to shorten the project cycle, we need more efficient working methods.' '为了...' means 'in order to...'.
/ 84 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
缩短 is a versatile verb meaning to shorten, applicable to time, distance, or physical items.
- make shorter
- reduce length
- curtail duration
Basic Meaning of 缩短
缩短 (suō duǎn) literally means to shorten or to curtail. Think of it as making something physically or temporally shorter.
Using 缩短 with Time
You can use 缩短 to talk about making a period of time shorter. For example, 缩短时间 (suō duǎn shí jiān) means to shorten the time.
Using 缩短 with Length/Distance
It's also used for physical length or distance. 缩短距离 (suō duǎn jù lí) means to shorten the distance.
Sentence Structure: Subject + 缩短 + Object
The basic sentence structure is straightforward: Subject + 缩短 + Object. For example, 我们需要缩短会议 (wǒ men xū yào suō duǎn huì yì) – We need to shorten the meeting.
Beispiel
为了节省时间，我们决定缩短会议。
