This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
B1 adjective 9 min read

短期的

duanqi de
Examples 短期的 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 短期的 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn about time and how to describe things. '短期的' (duǎn qī de) might seem a bit long, but you can understand it by breaking it down. '短' means 'short'—like a short pencil or a short person. '期' means 'time' or 'period.' So, '短期的' means 'for a short time.' You might use this when you talk about a very short vacation or a quick trip. For example, if you go to a city for only two days, you can call it a '短期的旅行' (short-term trip). At this level, don't worry too much about the complex grammar; just remember that it describes things that don't last very long. It's like saying 'short' but specifically for time, not for how long a table is. You will mostly see it used with simple words like 'job' (工作) or 'visit' (访问). It's a useful word to know when you want to tell people you are not staying forever. Imagine you are visiting a friend and you want to say you are only there for a week; this word helps you explain that clearly. Even if you just use '短' for now, learning '短期的' will make your Chinese sound much more natural and precise as you move forward.
Sign up free to read full explanation
By the A2 level, you are beginning to handle more practical situations, such as travel, work, and making simple plans. '短期的' (duǎn qī de) becomes very useful here. You might use it to describe a 'short-term goal' (短期的目标) like learning 50 new words this week. Or, if you are looking for a part-time job while studying, you might look for '短期的工作' (short-term work). Notice how '的' (de) is always there to connect the 'short-term' part to the 'work' or 'goal' part. This is a key pattern at A2. You should also start to notice the difference between '短' (short in length) and '短期' (short in time). For instance, a '短裙' is a short skirt, but a '短期的课' is a short-term class. At this level, you can also use it to explain your living situation. If you are renting a room for just one month, you can tell your landlord it's a '短期的租约' (short-term lease). It helps you navigate daily life in China or with Chinese speakers by setting clear expectations about how long something will last. Try to use it in sentences like '我有一个短期的计划' (I have a short-term plan) to practice your word order.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the B1 level, you are becoming an intermediate learner who can discuss topics like education, career, and personal opinions. '短期的' (duǎn qī de) is a core word for this level because it allows you to express plans and analyze situations. You will often use it in the context of 'short-term vs. long-term' (短期 vs. 长期). For example, when discussing a problem, you might say, '这只是一个短期的解决办法' (This is only a short-term solution). This shows you understand that the solution isn't perfect for the future. You'll also encounter this word in news or business contexts, such as '短期投资' (short-term investment) or '短期培训' (short-term training). A key grammar point at B1 is understanding that '短期的' is an adjective. If you want to use it as an adverb, you need to change the structure to something like '在短期内' (within the short term). For example, '在短期内，我们无法改变这个情况' (In the short term, we cannot change this situation). Mastering this distinction will make your Chinese sound much more professional. You should also be able to distinguish '短期的' from '暂时的' (temporary/for now). '短期的' usually implies a planned duration, while '暂时的' might be more about an unexpected or fleeting state.
At the B2 level, you are expected to handle more complex topics like economics, social issues, and abstract concepts. '短期的' (duǎn qī de) is frequently used in these discussions. You will hear it in debates about 'short-term interests' (短期利益) versus 'long-term development' (长期发展). For example, a critic might say, '公司不能只追求短期的利润' (Companies cannot only pursue short-term profits). This level requires you to use the word in more sophisticated sentence structures, such as using it as part of a subject or object clause. You will also see it in academic writing, where it describes 'short-term effects' (短期影响) of a policy or 'short-term memory' (短期记忆) in psychology. At B2, you should also be comfortable with related phrases like '短期见效' (showing results in the short term). You should be able to explain the nuances between '短期的' and '临时的' (provisional). While '短期的' refers to the duration, '临时的' often carries the connotation of being a backup or a non-permanent substitute. For instance, a '短期的员工' (short-term employee) might be someone on a 3-month contract, while a '临时的员工' (temporary employee) might be someone called in today because the regular person is sick. Being able to explain these differences shows a high level of linguistic awareness.
Sign up free to read full explanation
As a C1 learner, you are approaching near-native fluency and should be able to use '短期的' (duǎn qī de) with precision in professional and academic settings. You will use it to discuss 'short-term market volatility' (短期的市场波动) or 'short-term credit' (短期信用). In this stage, you should also be aware of the stylistic choices between using '短期的' and more formal four-character idioms or classical Chinese-influenced terms. For example, instead of just saying '短期的快乐,' you might talk about '昙花一现的快乐' (fleeting happiness) to add color to your speech. However, in formal reports or scientific papers, '短期的' remains the standard, precise term. You should also be able to use it in complex conditional sentences, such as '即便在短期内会有所损失，但从长远来看，这项投资是值得的' (Even if there are losses in the short term, from a long-term perspective, this investment is worth it). Your understanding of the word should extend to its role in fixed professional terminology, where the '的' is often dropped, such as '短期国债' (short-term treasury bonds) or '短期借贷' (short-term lending). At C1, you aren't just using the word; you are choosing it strategically to convey a specific tone and level of formality.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of Chinese and can use '短期的' (duǎn qī de) in all its nuanced glory. You understand its place in the philosophical tension between the transient and the eternal. You might use it in literary analysis to discuss the 'short-term nature of existence' or in high-level political discourse to analyze the 'short-termism' (短期行为) of certain policy decisions. At this level, you can effortlessly switch between '短期的' and its many synonyms to suit the specific register of your conversation or writing. You might use it to critique the 'short-term perspective' (短期眼光) of modern society. You are also fully aware of the grammatical flexibility where '短期' can function as a noun in phrases like '短期的优劣' (the pros and cons of the short term). Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker, appearing in complex, multi-clause sentences that discuss multi-faceted issues. For example, '在全球化背景下，短期的资本流动对发展中国家的金融稳定构成了巨大挑战' (In the context of globalization, short-term capital flows pose a huge challenge to the financial stability of developing countries). You use '短期的' not just to describe time, but to build sophisticated arguments about cause, effect, and systemic behavior.
Sign up free to read full explanation
Examples

短期的 in 30 Seconds

  • 短期的 means 'short-term' or 'temporary' in Chinese.
  • It is an adjective used before nouns like 'goals', 'plans', or 'jobs'.
  • It is the direct opposite of 长期的 (cháng qī de), which means 'long-term'.
  • Commonly found in business, finance, and daily planning contexts.

The term 短期的 (duǎn qī de) is a fundamental adjective in Chinese that translates to 'short-term' or 'temporary.' It is composed of three distinct characters: 短 (duǎn) meaning 'short,' 期 (qī) meaning 'period' or 'phase,' and the possessive/adjectival particle 的 (de). Together, they describe anything that exists, occurs, or is planned for a brief duration of time, typically ranging from a few days to a few months, depending on the context. In the realm of linguistics, it serves as an attributive adjective, meaning it almost always precedes the noun it modifies to define its temporal scope.

Duration and Scope
In a general sense, 'short-term' refers to a period that is not permanent. For instance, a 'short-term goal' (短期的目标) might be something you want to achieve within a week, whereas in finance, a 'short-term investment' (短期的投资) might refer to an asset held for less than a year. The flexibility of the term allows it to be used across various domains from daily life to professional environments.
Intent and Planning
The word often implies a sense of transition or a specific phase within a larger journey. When someone says they are looking for 'short-term housing' (短期的住房), they are signaling that their stay is not indefinite and they likely have a permanent destination in mind for later. It is a word of pragmatism and focus.

我们需要制定一个短期的计划来解决目前的危机。 (Wǒmen xūyào zhìdìng yīgè duǎnqī de jìhuà lái jiějué mùqián de wēijī.)

Translation: We need to formulate a short-term plan to resolve the current crisis.

You will encounter this word frequently in news broadcasts discussing economic fluctuations, in university settings regarding exchange programs, and in medical contexts referring to the duration of a treatment or side effects. It is a versatile tool for setting expectations about time.

这种药可能会产生一些短期的副作用。 (Zhè zhǒng yào kěnéng huì chǎnshēng yīxiē duǎnqī de fùzuòyòng.)

Translation: This medicine may produce some short-term side effects.

To use it correctly, remember that it functions as a modifier. You cannot simply say 'It is short-term' as '它是短期的' without a noun following it in most natural speech patterns; usually, it's '这是短期的[noun]'. If you want to say 'for a short time' as an adverb, you would use '暂时' (zànshí) instead. This distinction is crucial for reaching B1 and B2 proficiency levels.

Mastering the usage of 短期的 requires understanding its grammatical placement. As an adjective ending in 的 (de), its primary home is right before the noun it describes. This structure creates a specific 'time-window' for the noun in question. Let's explore the common patterns and contexts where this word shines.

The Standard Attributive Pattern
Structure: [Subject] + [Verb] + [短期的] + [Noun]. This is the most common way to describe a temporary state or object. For example, '我需要短期的建议' (I need short-term advice). Here, the advice is limited to the immediate situation.
Contrastive Usage
Often, speakers will use '短期的' in contrast with '长期的' (long-term) to provide a balanced perspective. '不仅要看短期的利益，更要看长期的发展' (One must look not only at short-term interests but also at long-term development). This contrast is a hallmark of professional and academic Chinese.

他正在寻找一份短期的兼职工作。 (Tā zhèngzài xúnzhǎo yī fèn duǎnqī de jiānzhí gōngzuò.)

Translation: He is currently looking for a short-term part-time job.

In formal documents, you might see it used in technical terms like '短期贷款' (short-term loan) or '短期培训' (short-term training). In these cases, the '的' is sometimes omitted for brevity (forming a compound noun), but for learners at the B1 level, keeping the '的' is safer and grammatically correct.

这次会议只是一个短期的安排。 (Zhè cì huìyì zhǐshì yīgè duǎnqī de ānpái.)

Translation: This meeting is just a short-term arrangement.

When describing physical objects, '短期的' is rarely used. For example, you wouldn't call a small pencil a '短期的铅笔'. It is strictly reserved for concepts related to time, duration, and duration of effect. Understanding this boundary helps avoid the common mistake of confusing size with duration.

In the real world, 短期的 is a staple of professional, academic, and practical communication. If you are navigating life in a Chinese-speaking environment, you will hear it in specific high-frequency scenarios. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word even when spoken quickly.

In the Business World
Business meetings are perhaps the most common place to hear this word. Managers discuss '短期目标' (short-term goals) during quarterly reviews. Financial analysts talk about '短期波动' (short-term fluctuations) in the stock market. If you are applying for a job, you might hear about a '短期合同' (short-term contract).
In Education and Travel
Language schools and universities frequently offer '短期课程' (short-term courses) or '短期交换项目' (short-term exchange programs). Travelers often look for '短期租赁' (short-term rentals) like Airbnbs or serviced apartments. In these contexts, the word signals flexibility and a defined end date.

股市的短期的下跌并不代表长期的趋势。 (Gǔshì de duǎnqī de xiàdié bìng bù dàibiǎo chángqī de qūshì.)

Translation: The short-term dip in the stock market does not represent a long-term trend.

You will also hear it in medical or psychological settings. A doctor might explain that a patient's memory loss is a '短期的现象' (short-term phenomenon) or that a specific pain is '短期的' (temporary). This provides comfort by indicating that the condition will pass.

这只是一个短期的解决办法，我们还需要长期的方案。 (Zhè zhǐshì yīgè duǎnqī de jiějué bànfǎ, wǒmen hái xūyào chángqī de fāng'àn.)

Translation: This is just a short-term solution; we still need a long-term plan.

Finally, in daily social interactions, it’s used to describe visits or stays. '我只是来这里做一个短期的访问' (I am just here for a short-term visit). It helps set boundaries in social expectations, ensuring the host knows the guest isn't staying forever!

While 短期的 seems straightforward, English speakers often fall into several common traps. These errors usually stem from direct translation or a misunderstanding of Chinese word classes. Let's break down these pitfalls so you can avoid them.

Mistake 1: Confusing Adjectives and Adverbs
In English, 'short-term' can be an adverb (e.g., 'we planned short-term'). In Chinese, you cannot say '我们计划短期的.' You must use '暂时' (zànshí) or '在短期内' (zài duǎnqī nèi). '短期的' always needs a noun to follow it or be implied.
Mistake 2: Mixing Up '短' (Size) and '短期' (Time)
Beginners often use '短的' when they mean '短期的.' Remember: '短的' refers to physical length (a short stick), whereas '短期的' refers to a duration of time. Calling a short meeting a '短的会议' is okay, but calling a short-term project a '短的项目' is less precise than '短期的项目.'

❌ 不正确的: 这个计划是短期的。(Zhège jìhuà shì duǎnqī de.) - While grammatically possible, it sounds incomplete.
✅ 正确的: 这是一个短期的计划。(Zhè shì yīgè duǎnqī de jìhuà.)

Another mistake is the omission of '的'. While advanced speakers might say '短期目标' as a compound, learners often forget that '短期的' is the standard adjectival form. Without '的', the flow of the sentence can feel disjointed to a native ear if not used in a established compound word.

不要被短期的困难吓倒。 (Bùyào bèi duǎnqī de kùnnán xiàdǎo.)

Note: Here, '短期的' correctly modifies '困难' (difficulties).

Lastly, avoid using '短期的' to describe a person's character. In English, we might say someone is 'short-term focused,' but in Chinese, you would describe their behavior or their perspective (目光短浅 - mùguāng duǎnqiǎn), not the person themselves as '短期的'.

To truly master Chinese, you need to know the synonyms and nuances of 短期的. Depending on the context—whether it's an emergency, a brief moment, or a planned phase—different words might be more appropriate. Let's compare the most common alternatives.

暂时 (Zànshí) vs. 短期的
'暂时' is usually an adverb meaning 'temporarily.' Use '暂时' when you want to say something is happening 'for the time being.' Use '短期的' when you are describing a noun. Example: 我暂时住在这里 (I'm living here temporarily) vs. 这是短期的住所 (This is a short-term residence).
临时 (Línshí) vs. 短期的
'临时' implies something is 'provisional' or 'makeshift.' It often suggests an unplanned or last-minute arrangement. '短期的' is more about the planned duration. Example: 临时的决定 (A last-minute decision) vs. 短期的计划 (A short-term plan).

这一切都只是暂时的，很快就会过去。 (Zhè yīqiè dōu zhǐshì zànshí de, hěn kuài jiù huì guòqù.)

Translation: This is all just temporary; it will pass soon.

In a technical or academic context, you might also see '近期' (jìnqī), which means 'recent' or 'in the near term.' While '短期的' focuses on the duration (how long), '近期' focuses on the proximity to the present (how soon).

我们正在招聘一名临时的助理。 (Wǒmen zhèngzài zhāopìn yī míng línshí de zhùlǐ.)

Translation: We are hiring a temporary assistant (often implying they are filling in).

By choosing the right word from this set, you demonstrate a deep understanding of Chinese nuance. '短期的' is your 'go-to' for duration, but '暂时' and '临时' are essential tools in your vocabulary toolkit for specific situations.

Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

这是一个短期的工作。

This is a short-term job.

Simple Subject + Verb + Adjective + Noun structure.

2

我去北京做一个短期的旅行。

I am going to Beijing for a short-term trip.

Used to describe the duration of a trip.

3

他有一个短期的计划。

He has a short-term plan.

Modifying the noun 'plan'.

4

这是一个短期的访问。

This is a short-term visit.

Common in social introductions.

5

我住在一个短期的公寓。

I live in a short-term apartment.

Describes temporary housing.

6

这是一个短期的课程。

This is a short-term course.

Educational context.

7

他只做了短期的停留。

He only made a short-term stay.

Describing duration of stay.

8

这是一个短期的决定。

This is a short-term decision.

Modifying an abstract noun.

1

我们需要一个短期的解决办法。

We need a short-term solution.

Focus on immediate fix.

2

他正在寻找短期的租房。

He is looking for a short-term rental.

Practical life usage.

3

这个短期的项目下个月结束。

This short-term project ends next month.

Subject of the sentence.

4

她参加了一个短期的培训班。

She attended a short-term training class.

Educational context.

5

这种药只有短期的效果。

This medicine only has a short-term effect.

Medical context.

6

他们提供了短期的贷款。

They provided a short-term loan.

Financial context.

7

这是一个短期的合同。

This is a short-term contract.

Professional context.

8

我只想做一个短期的兼职。

I only want to do a short-term part-time job.

Expressing desire/intent.

1

短期的利益不应该损害长期的发展。

Short-term interests should not harm long-term development.

Contrastive use of Short vs. Long term.

2

我们要考虑短期的风险。

We need to consider short-term risks.

Risk assessment context.

3

这只是短期的市场波动。

This is just short-term market volatility.

Economic context.

4

他缺乏短期的目标，所以有点迷茫。

He lacks short-term goals, so he is a bit lost.

Psychological/personal development.

5

公司制定了短期的营销策略。

The company formulated a short-term marketing strategy.

Business strategy.

6

这种短期的安排并不稳定。

This short-term arrangement is not stable.

Describing quality of an arrangement.

7

虽然是短期的，但压力很大。

Although it's short-term, the pressure is high.

Concessive clause (Although...).

8

我们需要短期的资金支持。

We need short-term financial support.

Financial need.

1

这种政策会带来短期的经济增长。

This policy will bring short-term economic growth.

Macroeconomic discussion.

2

投资者往往关注短期的回报率。

Investors often focus on short-term rates of return.

Analyzing behavior.

3

短期的记忆力可以通过训练提高。

Short-term memory can be improved through training.

Scientific/psychological context.

4

这种药物的短期副作用包括头痛。

Short-term side effects of this drug include headaches.

Medical precision.

5

由于短期的供需失衡，价格上涨了。

Prices rose due to a short-term imbalance in supply and demand.

Causal relationship in economics.

6

这次合作是一次短期的尝试。

This cooperation is a short-term experiment.

Describing a trial phase.

7

短期的成功并不代表永远的胜利。

Short-term success does not mean eternal victory.

Abstract philosophical statement.

8

我们必须应对短期的挑战。

We must deal with short-term challenges.

Formal call to action.

1

短期的资本流动可能导致汇率剧烈波动。

Short-term capital flows can lead to drastic exchange rate fluctuations.

High-level financial analysis.

2

过度追求短期的绩效考核是有害的。

Excessive pursuit of short-term performance evaluations is harmful.

Management critique.

3

这种现象反映了社会短期的浮躁心理。

This phenomenon reflects the short-term impetuous mentality of society.

Sociological analysis.

4

短期内，技术革新可能会导致失业率上升。

In the short term, technological innovation may lead to an increase in unemployment.

Using '短期内' as an adverbial phrase.

5

该报告详细分析了短期债务的结构。

The report provides a detailed analysis of the structure of short-term debt.

Formal academic/professional tone.

6

短期行为往往缺乏战略眼光。

Short-term behavior often lacks strategic vision.

Abstract noun use.

7

这种短期的平衡是非常脆弱的。

This short-term balance is very fragile.

Advanced descriptive adjective.

8

短期信用的扩张缓解了企业的燃眉之急。

The expansion of short-term credit eased the company's pressing needs.

Using idioms (燃眉之急) with technical terms.

1

短期的功利主义可能会侵蚀学术研究的根基。

Short-term utilitarianism may erode the foundations of academic research.

Sophisticated abstract criticism.

2

如何在短期的政治压力与长期的国家利益之间取得平衡？

How to strike a balance between short-term political pressure and long-term national interests?

Complex rhetorical question.

3

短期内的通胀预期已经显著上升。

Inflation expectations in the short term have risen significantly.

Precise economic terminology.

4

历史证明，许多看似短期的危机其实是深刻社会变革的序曲。

History proves that many seemingly short-term crises are actually preludes to profound social change.

Historical/philosophical reflection.

5

短期借贷市场的流动性枯竭引发了系统性风险。

The depletion of liquidity in the short-term lending market triggered systemic risk.

Expert-level financial discourse.

6

这种短期的繁荣往往建立在过度负债的基础上。

This short-term prosperity is often built on the basis of excessive debt.

Critical economic observation.

7

我们不应被短期内的舆论导向所左右。

We should not be swayed by short-term public opinion guidance.

Passive voice with complex modifier.

8

短期内虽有阵痛，但改革的大方向是正确的。

Although there is short-term pain, the general direction of the reform is correct.

Using '虽' (suī) for formal contrast.

Common Collocations

短期的目标
短期的利益
短期的投资
短期的影响
短期的合同
短期的培训
短期的波动
短期的贷款
短期的效果
短期的住宿

Common Phrases

短期来看

— Looking at it from a short-term perspective. Used to introduce an immediate view.

短期来看，价格会稳定。

短期内

— Within a short period of time. Used to set a deadline or timeframe.

短期内无法完成这个任务。

短期行为

— Short-term behavior. Often used critically to describe lack of foresight.

这种短期行为对公司不利。

短期见效

— To show results quickly. Often used for marketing or medical treatments.

这种新药短期见效。

短期记忆

— Short-term memory. A common psychological term.

他的短期记忆力很好。

短期国债

— Short-term treasury bonds. A financial instrument.

短期国债的风险较低。

短期租赁

— Short-term rental. Common in real estate and travel.

短期租赁在旅游城市很流行。

短期项目

— Short-term project. Common in consulting and freelancing.

我最近接了一个短期项目。

短期计划

— Short-term plan. Used for immediate action items.

我们需要一个短期计划。

短期波动

— Short-term fluctuation. Used in finance and science.

不要担心股市的短期波动。

Idioms & Expressions

"昙花一现"

— Literally 'a night-blooming cereus appearing once'. Refers to something beautiful but very short-lived.

他的成功只是昙花一现。

Literary
"急功近利"

— Eager for quick success and instant benefits. Describes short-termism.

做学问不能急功近利。

Formal
"目光短浅"

— Short-sighted. Having only a short-term view without considering the future.

他这个人目光短浅。

Informal/Critical
"朝种暮获"

— Plant in the morning and harvest in the evening. Expecting instant results.

任何事业都不能朝种暮获。

Literary
"转瞬即逝"

— Gone in a flash. Describes how quickly time or opportunities pass.

机会转瞬即逝。

Literary
"过眼云烟"

— Like smoke and clouds passing before one's eyes. Something fleeting and insignificant.

财富名利皆是过眼云烟。

Poetic
"电光石火"

— As fast as a flash of lightning or a spark from a flint. Very brief.

生命如电光石火。

Literary
"稍"
Sign up free to see all examples

Related Content

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!