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B1 adjective 9 min read

简短

jiǎnduǎn

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 简短 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 简短 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the most basic adjectives like '大' (big), '小' (small), and '长' (long). While '简短' (jiǎnduǎn) is usually reserved for B1, an A1 learner can understand it by breaking it down. '简' sounds like 'simple' and '短' means 'short'. At this stage, you might encounter it in very simple contexts like '简短的话' (short words). You don't need to use it yourself yet, but recognizing that it's a more specific way of saying 'short' for things you say or write is helpful. Focus on the fact that it's for 'talking' and 'writing', not for 'pencils' or 'people'. For example, if a teacher says '简短一点' (A bit shorter/briefer), they are asking you to say fewer words. It's a useful word to recognize in a classroom setting where instructions are given about how much to write or speak.

For A2 learners, '简短' becomes a useful addition to your vocabulary for describing daily activities. You can start using it to describe your emails, text messages, or phone calls. Instead of just saying '我的信很短', you can say '我写了一封简短的信' (I wrote a brief letter), which sounds much more natural and advanced. At this level, you should begin to distinguish between physical '短' (short) and communication '简短' (brief). You might see this word in reading passages about someone making a quick phone call or a short trip. It helps you describe events more accurately. Practice using it with '的' before nouns like '介绍' (introduction), '对话' (dialogue), and '故事' (story). This will make your Chinese sound less like a beginner and more like someone who understands the nuances of the language.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use '简短' (jiǎnduǎn) correctly in a variety of contexts, especially in professional and academic settings. This is the level where you must distinguish '简短' from '简单' (simple). You should be able to describe a '简短的会议' (brief meeting) or a '简短的总结' (brief summary) with ease. B1 learners should also start using adverbs of degree like '比较' (relatively) or '非常' (very) with '简短'. You are moving into more complex sentence structures, so you might say things like '虽然时间很短，但他做了一个非常简短而精彩的发言' (Although time was short, he gave a very brief but wonderful speech). Understanding the positive connotation of efficiency that '简短' carries is crucial for B1 communication, particularly in business environments where being concise is a valued skill.

B2 learners should use '简短' (jiǎnduǎn) with precision and style. You should be familiar with common collocations and four-character idioms that include '简', such as '简明扼要' (brief and to the point). At this level, you can use '简短' to discuss more abstract concepts, such as the '简短的历史' (brief history) of a movement or a '简短的说明' (brief explanation) of a complex theory. You should also be able to use it in the adverbial form with '地', as in '他简短地交代了任务' (He briefly explained the task). B2 learners should be sensitive to the register of the word—knowing that '简短' is more formal than '短' and choosing it appropriately for reports, formal emails, and public speaking. You should also be able to contrast it with its antonyms like '冗长' (tedious) to express your opinions about communication styles.

At the C1 level, '简短' (jiǎnduǎn) is a tool for sophisticated linguistic analysis and creative expression. You should understand the historical and etymological roots of the character '简' and how it influences the word's modern usage. C1 learners can use '简短' to critique literature, analyzing how a '简短的篇幅' (brief space/length) can contain profound meaning. You should be able to use the word in complex rhetorical structures, such as '言不在多，简短则灵' (It's not about the quantity of words; if they are brief, they are effective). At this level, you should also be aware of the subtle social implications of being '简短'—when it signifies authority, when it indicates haste, and when it is a sign of respect. Your usage should reflect a deep understanding of Chinese cultural values regarding communication, where 'less is often more'.

C2 learners master '简短' (jiǎnduǎn) to the point of native-like intuition. You can use it in high-level academic writing, legal documents, or classical-style modern prose. You understand the most subtle distinctions between '简短', '精炼', '扼要', and '短少'. You can use '简短' to describe the '简短的生命' (brief life) of a transient phenomenon or the '简短的辉煌' (brief glory) of a historical era in a poetic sense. At this level, you might use the word in wordplay or to create specific stylistic effects in your own writing. You are also capable of translating the English word 'brief' into various Chinese equivalents depending on the exact nuance, with '简短' being one of many tools in your expansive vocabulary. Your command of the word is flawless, and you can explain its nuances to others with clarity and depth.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

简短 in 30 Seconds

简短 means 'brief' or 'short' in terms of words, time, or content.
It is primarily used for communication like speeches, emails, and meetings.
Unlike '短', it is rarely used for physical objects like pencils or height.
It often carries a positive connotation of efficiency and conciseness.

The Chinese word 简短 (jiǎnduǎn) is a versatile adjective primarily used to describe things that are brief, concise, or short in duration and linguistic content. Unlike the simple word '短' (duǎn), which can refer to physical length, '简短' specifically targets communication, timeframes, and abstract processes. It combines '简' (jiǎn), meaning simple or bamboo slips (the ancient medium for writing), with '短' (duǎn), meaning short. Together, they form a concept of 'briefness' that is often viewed positively in professional and academic contexts where efficiency is valued.

Linguistic Scope: This term is most frequently applied to speeches, articles, conversations, and meetings. If a manager gives a speech that lasts only two minutes but covers all necessary points, it is described as a '简短的发言' (jiǎnduǎn de fāyán). It implies that the speaker has removed unnecessary fluff, focusing only on the core message.

由于时间关系，我只做一个简短的介绍。(Due to time constraints, I will only give a brief introduction.)

Temporal Aspect: While '短' can be used for time (e.g., 时间很短), '简短' adds a layer of structure. A '简短的会议' suggests a meeting that was intentionally kept short to save time, whereas '时间很短' simply states a fact about the duration. It carries a connotation of 'conciseness' rather than just 'lacking length'.

In modern digital communication, '简短' is more relevant than ever. Text messages, social media posts, and email subject lines are all expected to be '简短有力' (jiǎnduǎn yǒulì - brief and powerful). In Chinese culture, being '简短' in one's response can sometimes indicate efficiency, but if overdone, it might seem dismissive or cold. Therefore, the context of the relationship dictates whether brevity is seen as a virtue or a lack of enthusiasm.

他的回答非常简短，只有两个字。(His answer was very brief, only two characters.)

Professional Context: In a business report, you might see the phrase '简短回顾' (jiǎnduǎn huígù - a brief review). This signals to the reader that the following section will not dwell on details but will provide a high-level summary to facilitate quick decision-making.

请用简短的几句话概括文章的大意。(Please use a few brief sentences to summarize the main idea of the article.)

Overall, 简短 is a B1 level word because it requires understanding the distinction between physical length and informational density. It is an essential tool for any learner moving beyond basic descriptions into more nuanced observations of communication styles and professional etiquette.

Using 简短 (jiǎnduǎn) correctly requires placing it before a noun as an attributive or after a subject as a predicate. It is most commonly used with the particle '的' (de) when modifying nouns like 'speech', 'message', or 'meeting'. However, in formal writing, it can stand alone in certain patterns.

As an Attributive: The most common structure is [简短 + 的 + Noun]. This identifies the nature of the communication. For example, '一封简短的信' (a brief letter). Here, it emphasizes that the content of the letter is not lengthy.

我们在机场进行了简短的交谈。(We had a brief conversation at the airport.)

As a Predicate: When used as a predicate, it usually follows an adverb of degree like '很' (hěn), '非常' (fēicháng), or '比较' (bǐjiào). For example, '他的发言很简短' (His speech was very brief). This describes the quality of the subject directly.

When constructing sentences, consider the 'why'. Why is it brief? Common reasons in Chinese sentences include '时间紧迫' (time is tight), '不想多说' (don't want to say much), or '重点突出' (highlighting the key points). Incorporating these reasons makes your usage sound more natural and sophisticated.

他的开场白十分简短，直接进入了主题。(His opening remarks were very brief, and he went straight to the topic.)

Comparative Use: Compared to '短', '简短' sounds more formal. If you say '这个故事很短', it's a simple observation. If you say '这个故事很简短', it sounds like a literary critique, suggesting the story is concise and perhaps lacks unnecessary detail.

虽然报告很简短，但内容非常丰富。(Although the report is brief, the content is very rich.)

In summary, use 简短 when you want to emphasize that the brevity is related to information or communication. It is a tool for precision. Whether you are writing an exam essay or giving a presentation, using this word correctly demonstrates a high level of linguistic control.

In the real world, 简短 (jiǎnduǎn) is a staple of professional and media discourse. You will hear it in news broadcasts, corporate environments, and academic settings. It is rarely used in highly emotional or casual slang contexts, where '短' or other more colloquial terms might be preferred.

News and Media: News anchors often use this word to transition between segments. For example, '下面请看一组简短的新闻摘要' (Next, please look at a group of brief news summaries). It tells the audience that the information will be presented quickly and efficiently.

记者发回了一篇简短的报道。(The reporter sent back a brief report.)

Office Culture: In a Chinese office, time is often equated with productivity. A manager might say, '我们开一个简短的碰头会' (Let's have a brief touch-base meeting). This use of '简短' is meant to reassure employees that the meeting won't take up too much of their time.

You will also encounter this word in textbooks and exam instructions. For instance, the HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) listening section often uses '简短的对话' (brief dialogues) to describe the audio clips. Understanding this term helps students manage their expectations during the test.

请听下面一段简短的对话，并回答问题。(Please listen to the following brief dialogue and answer the questions.)

Literature and Arts: In literary criticism, '简短' is used to describe a writer's style. A '简短有力' style is often praised in modern Chinese literature for its directness and emotional impact, contrasting with the more flowery language of the past.

这首诗虽然简短，但意境深远。(Although this poem is brief, its artistic conception is profound.)

From the boardroom to the classroom, '简短' is a word that signals efficiency and clarity. It is the hallmark of a speaker who values their listener's attention and seeks to communicate with precision.

While 简短 (jiǎnduǎn) seems straightforward, English speakers often misapply it due to the broad meaning of 'short' in English. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid when using this word in Chinese.

Mistake 1: Physical Length: You cannot use '简短' to describe physical objects like a pencil, a rope, or a person's hair. Using '简短的铅笔' is incorrect; you should use '短的铅笔'. '简短' is reserved for things that are communicated or experienced over time.

Incorrect: 她的头发很简短。
Correct: 她的头发很短。

Mistake 2: Confusing with '简单' (jiǎndān): '简单' means 'simple' or 'easy'. '简短' means 'brief'. A math problem can be '简单' (easy to solve) but not '简短'. Conversely, a speech can be '简短' (short) but '复杂' (complex). Don't assume that because something is short, it must be simple.

Mistake 3: Human Stature: In English, we might say someone is 'short'. In Chinese, if you describe a person as '简短', it makes no sense. For human height, you must use '矮' (ǎi). If you say '他很简短', a Chinese speaker might think you are saying his speech was brief, but they would be very confused.

Incorrect: 这个运动员很简短。
Correct: 这个运动员很矮。

Mistake 4: Over-formalizing: While '简短' is a great word, using it in very casual situations might sound a bit stiff. For example, telling a friend '你的短信太简短了' (Your text is too brief) is grammatically correct but sounds like a formal critique. Simply saying '你的短信太短了' is more natural in daily life.

To avoid these mistakes, always ask yourself: 'Am I talking about words, time, or a physical object?' If it's words or time, '简短' is likely a good choice. If it's a physical object or a person's height, stick to '短' or '矮'. Mastering this distinction is a key milestone for B1 learners.

To truly master 简短 (jiǎnduǎn), you must understand how it relates to its synonyms and antonyms. This helps you choose the most precise word for the context.

简短 vs. 短 (duǎn): '短' is the general term for 'short'. It applies to space, time, and length. '简短' is a subset of '短', specifically for abstract things like speeches and texts. You can say '时间很短' or '时间很简短', but '简短' sounds more formal and intentional.

简短 vs. 扼要 (èyào): '扼要' means 'concise and to the point'. While '简短' focuses on the length (it's short), '扼要' focuses on the quality (it captures the main points). A speech can be '简短' but not '扼要' if it's just short and rambling. '简明扼要' is a common four-character idiom combining both concepts.

他的报告既简短又扼要。(His report was both brief and to the point.)

简短 vs. 精炼 (jīngliàn): '精炼' implies that the content has been polished and refined. It is a higher-level word than '简短'. You would use '精炼' to praise a master poet's work, whereas '简短' is a more neutral description of length.

In professional writing, you might also see '简略' (jiǎnlüè), which means 'brief and sketchy'. Unlike '简短', which is usually neutral or positive, '简略' can sometimes imply that some details are missing. Choose your words carefully based on whether you want to emphasize efficiency, quality, or a lack of detail.

请做一个简短的自我介绍。(Please do a brief self-introduction.)

By understanding these nuances, you can elevate your Chinese from basic communication to precise expression. Practice substituting '简短' with these alternatives in different contexts to see how the meaning shifts slightly.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Before paper was invented, the length of your message was literally limited by how many bamboo sticks you could carry. This historical reality gave birth to the Chinese value of linguistic conciseness.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dʒiːæn dwæn/

US /dʒiæn dwæn/

Equal stress on both syllables.

Rhymes With

眼 (yǎn) 脸 (liǎn) 点 (diǎn) 选 (xuǎn) 远 (yuǎn) 满 (mǎn) 馆 (guǎn) 晚 (wǎn)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jiǎn' as 'jiān' (first tone).
Confusing 'duǎn' with 'duān'.
Failing to dip the voice low enough for the third tone.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize characters, but context matters for nuance.

Writing 4/5

Must remember the 'bamboo' radical in 简.

Speaking 3/5

Third tones can be tricky in succession.

Listening 2/5

Very common in news and instructions.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

短 (short) 简 (simple) 话 (words) 说 (speak) 会 (meeting)

Learn Next

扼要 (to the point) 精炼 (refined) 冗长 (tedious) 概括 (summarize) 主旨 (main idea)

Advanced

言简意赅简明扼要微言大义短小精悍

Grammar to Know

Adjective + 的 + Noun

简短的故事 (A brief story)

Adverb + Adjective (Predicate)

他的话很简短。(His words are brief.)

Adjective + 地 + Verb

他简短地说了几句。(He briefly said a few words.)

A + 既 + Adjective1 + 又 + Adjective2

这篇文章既简短又深刻。(This article is both brief and profound.)

Comparative with 一点

请再说得简短一点。(Please speak a bit more briefly.)

Examples by Level

他的话很简短。

His words are very brief.

Subject + Adverb + Adjective.

这是一个简短的故事。

This is a brief story.

Adjective + 的 + Noun.

请说得简短一点。

Please speak a bit more briefly.

Verb + 得 + Adjective + 点.

我写了一个简短的句子。

I wrote a brief sentence.

Verb + 了 + Adjective + 的 + Noun.

会议非常简短。

The meeting was very brief.

Subject + Adverb + Adjective.

他给了我一个简短的回答。

He gave me a brief answer.

Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object.

这封信很简短。

This letter is very brief.

Subject + Adverb + Adjective.

我们做了简短的练习。

We did a brief exercise.

Verb + Adjective + 的 + Noun.

经理做了一个简短的报告。

The manager gave a brief report.

Standard SVO with adjective modifier.

我只想做一个简短的介绍。

I only want to give a brief introduction.

Use of '只想' (only want) to limit the action.

他在电话里说了几句简短的话。

He said a few brief words on the phone.

Prepositional phrase '在电话里' indicating location.

这篇文章很简短，但很有用。

This article is very brief but very useful.

Contrast using '但' (but).

请给我一个简短的解释。

Please give me a brief explanation.

Imperative sentence with '请'.

我们进行了简短的讨论。

We had a brief discussion.

Use of '进行' (to carry out) for formal actions.

这部电影的结尾很简短。

The ending of this movie is very brief.

Possessive '的' modifying the subject '结尾'.

他发来一条简短的短信。

He sent a brief text message.

Resultative verb '发来' (send over).

虽然发言简短，但却非常有说服力。

Although the speech was brief, it was very persuasive.

Although... but... (虽然...但却...).

由于时间紧迫，我们只能进行简短的交流。

Due to time pressure, we can only have a brief exchange.

Cause and effect using '由于...只能...'.

请用简短的语言概括文章的主旨。

Please summarize the main idea of the article in brief language.

Using '用' (with/using) to indicate the method.

他的回答简短而有力，让人印象深刻。

His answer was brief and powerful, leaving a deep impression.

Adjective + 而 + Adjective structure.

在会议开始前，他做了简短的开场白。

Before the meeting started, he gave a brief opening remark.

Time clause '在...前' (before...).

这本书对历史进行了简短的回顾。

This book provides a brief review of history.

Formal use of '进行' with a noun phrase.

我们需要一个简短的休整时间。

We need a brief break time.

Noun phrase '休整时间' (rest/break time).

他的信虽然简短，却充满了感情。

Although his letter was brief, it was full of emotion.

Contrast using '虽然...却...'.

他习惯于用简短精炼的文字表达复杂的思想。

He is accustomed to expressing complex thoughts in brief and refined language.

Habitual action '习惯于' (be accustomed to).

在那次简短的会晤中，双方达成了初步共识。

During that brief meeting, the two sides reached a preliminary consensus.

Formal term '会晤' (meeting/interview).

导演对剧情做了一个简短的说明。

The director gave a brief explanation of the plot.

Prepositional phrase '对...做说明' (explain about...).

这篇文章的优点在于文字简短，重点突出。

The merit of this article lies in its brief text and prominent points.

The merit lies in... '优点在于...'.

他简短地交代了几句就匆匆离开了。

He briefly explained a few things and left in a hurry.

Adverbial use '简短地' with '匆匆' (hurriedly).

这是一段关于他生平的简短视频。

This is a brief video about his life.

Relative clause '关于他生平的' (about his life).

他的演讲简短到只有三分钟。

His speech was so brief it was only three minutes long.

Degree complement '简短到...' (brief to the point of...).

在简短的休息之后，比赛继续进行。

After a brief rest, the match continued.

Time phrase '在...之后' (after...).

他那简短的措辞背后隐藏着深刻的含义。

Behind his brief wording lies a profound meaning.

Metaphorical use of '背后隐藏着' (hidden behind).

这份简短的声明在社交媒体上引发了巨大的反响。

This brief statement sparked a huge reaction on social media.

Causative structure '引发了...反响' (sparked a reaction).

诗人以简短的诗行勾勒出了壮丽的河山。

The poet outlined the magnificent mountains and rivers with brief lines of verse.

Instrumental '以' (with/by means of).

与其写冗长的报告，不如写一份简短的备忘录。

Rather than writing a tedious report, it's better to write a brief memorandum.

Preference structure '与其...不如...'.

他那简短的回答实际上是对对方无理要求的拒绝。

His brief answer was actually a rejection of the other party's unreasonable demand.

Subjective '实际上是' (is actually).

在历史的长河中，这段简短的和平时期显得尤为珍贵。

In the long river of history, this brief period of peace seems particularly precious.

Metaphor '历史的长河' (long river of history).

他那简短的文字风格受到了极简主义的影响。

His brief writing style was influenced by minimalism.

Passive influence '受到了...的影响' (was influenced by).

即便是在如此简短的篇幅内，作者依然展现了非凡的才华。

Even within such a brief space, the author still displayed extraordinary talent.

Concessive '即便...依然...' (Even... still...).

其文辞简短，意蕴深邃，非等闲之辈所能为也。

Its wording is brief and its meaning is profound; it is not something an ordinary person could produce.

Classical Chinese influenced structure '...所能为也'.

这篇简短的社论，字里行间透露出对现状的忧虑。

This brief editorial reveals concern for the current situation between the lines.

Idiom '字里行间' (between the lines).

他以一种近乎冷酷的简短，结束了这场旷日持久的争论。

With an almost cold brevity, he ended this long-drawn-out argument.

Abstract noun usage of '简短'.

在那个简短的瞬间，他仿佛洞察了宇宙的奥秘。

In that brief moment, he seemed to perceive the mysteries of the universe.

Use of '瞬间' (moment) with '简短'.

这种简短的艺术形式，对创作者的概括能力提出了极高的要求。

This brief art form places extremely high demands on the creator's ability to summarize.

Complex subject with '对...提出了要求'.

尽管记载简短，但它依然是研究那段历史的重要文献。

Despite the brief records, it remains an important document for studying that period of history.

Formal contrast '尽管...但依然...'.

他那简短的谈吐中，流露出一种不经意的优雅。

In his brief conversation, a kind of casual elegance was revealed.

Verb '流露出' (to reveal/leak out).

这篇文章以简短的篇幅实现了对宏大叙事的解构。

This article achieves the deconstruction of grand narratives within a brief space.

Academic terminology '宏大叙事' and '解构'.

Common Collocations

简短的发言

简短的会议

简短的介绍

简短的回答

简短的回顾

简短的信

简短的对话

简短的停留

简短的生命

简短的描述

Common Phrases

简短有力

— Brief and powerful. Used to describe effective communication.

他的口号简短有力。

简短扼要

— Brief and to the point. A very common formal description.

报告写得简短扼要。

简短精悍

— Short but pithy; small but capable.

这支队伍简短精悍。

简短交谈

— A brief talk or chat.

我们在走廊里进行了简短交谈。

简短摘要

— A brief summary or abstract.

这是新闻的简短摘要。

简短说明

— A brief explanation or instruction.

请看下面的简短说明。

简短休整

— A brief rest or reorganization.

部队进行了简短休整。

简短致辞

— A brief formal speech (e.g., at a wedding or opening).

新郎发表了简短致辞。

简短回顾

— A brief look back or review.

让我们做一个简短回顾。

简短问候

— A brief greeting.

他向大家致以简短问候。

Often Confused With

简短 vs 简单

Means 'simple/easy'. A '简单' task is easy to do; a '简短' task is short in time.

简短 vs 短

General 'short'. Use '短' for height or physical length; use '简短' for words/time.

简短 vs 短暂

Means 'transient/fleeting'. Use '短暂' for a moment in time (e.g., life, a flash); use '简短' for structured things like speeches.

Idioms & Expressions

"简明扼要"

— Brief and to the point. Captures the essence without wasting words.

他的文章简明扼要。

Formal

"短小精悍"

— Short but pithy/powerful. Often used for stories or people.

这部短篇小说短小精悍。

Neutral

"言简意赅"

— Consise in language but comprehensive in meaning.

这个成语用得言简意赅。

Literary

"一言以蔽之"

— To sum up in a word/sentence.

一言以蔽之，这个项目失败了。

Formal

"开门见山"

— To come straight to the point.

他说话开门见山，非常简短。

Neutral

"简捷了当"

— Simple and direct.

他的办事风格简捷了当。

Neutral

"三言两语"

— In a few words.

他三言两语就把事情说清楚了。

Informal

"长话短说"

— To make a long story short.

时间不多了，我长话短说。

Informal

"言近旨远"

— Simple words with deep meaning.

这句名言言近旨远。

Literary

"片言只语"

— A few isolated words or fragments.

他只留下了片言只语。

Literary

Easily Confused

简短 vs 简单

Both start with '简'.

简单 refers to complexity (simple vs complex). 简短 refers to length (brief vs long).

这个问题很简单，但我需要一个简短的回答。

简短 vs 短

Both mean 'short'.

短 is for physical length and general time. 简短 is for content and communication.

他的头发很短，但他写的信很简短。

简短 vs 扼要

Both imply conciseness.

简短 emphasizes length. 扼要 emphasizes capturing the core points.

他的报告虽然简短，但不一定扼要。

简短 vs 简略

Both imply brevity.

简短 is neutral. 简略 often implies it's too brief or missing details.

这份地图太简略了，我们看不清路。

简短 vs 短暂

Both involve time.

短暂 is about a fleeting moment. 简短 is about a concise event or text.

生命虽然短暂，但我们可以做简短而有意义的事。

Sentence Patterns

S + 很 + 简短

他的信很简短。

V + 了 + 一个 + 简短的 + N

我写了一个简短的句子。

由于...，只能 + V + 简短的 + N

由于时间紧迫，我们只能进行简短的交流。

S + 既 + 简短 + 又 + Adj

他的演讲既简短又精彩。

与其...，不如 + 简短地 + V

与其长篇大论，不如简短地说明重点。

在...简短的篇幅内，...依然...

在如此简短的篇幅内，作者依然表达了深意。

请用 + 简短的语言 + V

请用简短的语言概括全文。

S + 习惯于 + 简短的 + N

他习惯于简短的回复。

Word Family

Nouns

简介 (jiǎnjiè) - brief introduction

简史 (jiǎnshǐ) - brief history

简章 (jiǎnzhāng) - brief regulations

Verbs

简化 (jiǎnhuà) - to simplify

精简 (jīngjiǎn) - to streamline/reduce

Adjectives

简单 (jiǎndān) - simple

简易 (jiǎnyì) - easy/simple

简洁 (jiǎnjié) - concise

短缺 (duǎnquē) - shortage

短处 (duǎnchù) - shortcoming

短暂 (duǎnzàn) - brief/transient

长度 (chángdù) - length

缩小 (suōxiǎo) - to shrink

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in media, business, and education.

Common Mistakes

我的铅笔很简短。 → 我的铅笔很短。
简短 is for content/time, not physical objects.
他是一个简短的人。 → 他是一个矮个子。
简短 cannot describe human height.
这个问题太简短了，我不会做。 → 这个问题太难了/太复杂了。
You likely mean 'the question is difficult'. '简短' just means it's short in words.
他的演讲很简短，因为他没准备好。 → His speech was brief (correct), but usually '简短' implies intentional brevity.
If it's short because of a mistake, '匆忙' or '仓促' might be better, but '简短' is grammatically okay.
简短而言... → 简而言之...
The set idiom is '简而言之', not '简短而言'.

Tips

Professionalism

In a business email, starting with '做一个简短的说明' (Making a brief explanation) shows you respect the recipient's time.

The 'De' Rule

Always use '的' when '简短' is before a noun. '简短的话', not '简短话'.

Speed

When you use the word '简短', try to actually speak a bit faster or more concisely to match the meaning!

Less is More

In Chinese high-level calligraphy and poetry, '简短' is an aesthetic goal, not a limitation.

Summarizing

In essays, '简短' is often used in the conclusion: '简短总结一下' (To briefly summarize).

News Cues

When you hear '简短' on the news, get ready for a list of bullet points or headlines.

Bamboo Slips

Remember the '简' character has the bamboo radical at the top. Bamboo slips are short.

Asking for Time

If you need a moment of someone's time, say '我能占用你简短的几分钟吗？'

Not for Height

Never use '简短' for a person's height. It's a common mistake for English speakers.

Idiom Pairing

Pair '简短' with '有力' (powerful) to describe great slogans or speeches.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '简' as 'simple' and '短' as 'short'. A 'simple-short' message is a brief one.

Visual Association

Imagine a very short scroll of bamboo slips with only three characters on it. That is '简短'.

Word Web

简短发言会议信件介绍对话摘要说明

Challenge

Try to summarize your day in exactly three '简短' sentences using the word '简短' in one of them.

Word Origin

The character '简' (jiǎn) originally referred to bamboo slips used for writing in ancient China. Because bamboo was heavy, writers had to be concise. '短' (duǎn) means short in length.

Original meaning: A brief message written on bamboo slips.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

None. This is a very safe and standard word.

In English, 'brief' is often neutral, but 'short' can be rude (e.g., 'being short with someone'). In Chinese, '简短' is almost always neutral or positive.

The phrase '言简意赅' (Consise but comprehensive) from the 'Book of Songs'. The extremely short poems of the Tang Dynasty (Jueju). Modern 'Micro-fiction' (微小说) which is defined by its '简短' nature.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Meetings/Business

简短的会议
简短的报告
简短的总结
简短的回顾

Writing/Email

一封简短的信
简短的消息
简短的说明
简短的通知

Speaking/Public

简短的发言
简短的介绍
简短的致辞
简短的开场白

Education/Testing

简短的对话
简短的短文
简短的题目
简短的练习

Time/Duration

简短的停留
简短的休整
简短的时刻
简短的一生

Conversation Starters

"你能做一个简短的自我介绍吗？"

"这个会议大概会多长？很简短吗？"

"你觉得这篇文章写得够简短吗？"

"我们可以进行一次简短的交谈吗？"

"请给我一个简短的理由。"

Journal Prompts

写一段简短的话，描述你今天最开心的时刻。

如果你要给未来的自己写一封简短的信，你会说什么？

总结一下你最近学到的一个简短但有用的知识点。

描述一次你参加过的最简短的会议。

为什么在现代社会，简短的沟通变得如此重要？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. For a short person, use '矮' (ǎi). '简短' only applies to communication or time-based events like meetings.

Usually neutral or positive. It suggests efficiency and clarity. However, if a friend gives a '简短' reply to a long emotional message, it might be seen as cold.

Use '短' for physical objects (rope, pencil) and '简短' for abstract content (speech, email). '简短' is more formal.

Yes, if you are referring to the duration or the style of the storytelling. '一部简短的电影' is acceptable.

Add '地' (de) after it: '他简短地介绍了情况' (He briefly introduced the situation).

No. Colors are described by shade or intensity, not by brevity.

Yes, it frequently appears in HSK 3 and 4 listening and reading materials.

No. Use '短发' or '头发很短'. '简短' is for words/time.

The formal opposite is '冗长' (rǒngcháng - tedious and long). The simple opposite is '长' (cháng).

If the problem description is short, yes. But if the problem itself is easy, use '简单'.