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JLPT N36画 · 6 strokesradical 刀grade 5freq #1161

cut off, decline, decide

On'yomi (音読み)

  • ダン
  • タン

Kun'yomi (訓読み)

  • た.つ
  • だ.る
  • ことわ.る

Mnemonic

As the sword (刀) slices through connections, it decisively cuts off ties, symbolizing a firm decline or choice.

About this kanji

The kanji 「断」 primarily means to cut off, decline, or decide. It can be used as a verb or in compound forms. For example, 断水 (だんすい) means a suspension of water supply, often used during maintenance or emergencies. 断言 (だんげん) translates to assertion, which refers to stating something confidently, while 断定 (だんてい) means conclusion, indicating a final decision or judgment. You can also use the verb form 断る (ことわる), which means to refuse or decline something. This kanji is particularly useful in situations where you need to express negation or a decisive action.

Built from

Example sentences

  • 彼は話を断った。

    He rejected the offer.

Meanings across languages

English
cut off, decline, decide
Tiếng Việt
cắt đứt, không nhận, quyết định
日本語
切る, 断る, 決定する
한국어
잘라내다, 거절하다, 결정하다
中文
切断, 拒绝, 决定
id
memutuskan, menolak, menentukan
th
ตัดออก, ปฏิเสธ, ตัดสินใจ
es
cortar, declinar, decidir
fr
couper, décliner, décider
de
abbrechen, ablehnen, entscheiden
pt
cortar, recusar, decidir

Common compounds

  • 断水だんすいsuspension of water supply
  • 断言だんげんassertion, declaration
  • 断定だんていconclusion, determination
  • 断ることわるto refuse, to decline

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