Chinese word

长短

Pronunciation

Pinyincháng duǎn

Meaning

  • nounlength

Example

这件衣服的长短合适吗？zhè jiàn yī fú de cháng duǎn hé shì ma

Is the length of this garment right?

Illustration for 长短 (length)

More examples

这块木板的长短影响安装。zhè kuài mù bǎn de cháng duǎn yíng xiǎng ān zhuāng

The length of this board affects how it is installed.

Core concept

A contrast between more and less that measures how far something extends and can also frame an overall judgment.

Common phrases

  • 裤子的长短kù zi de cháng duǎn

    the length of the pants

  • 长短合适cháng duǎn hé shì

    be an appropriate length

Similar words

长度cháng dù: The measurable length of an object or space, often given as a number or unit.
尺寸chǐ cùn: The specific dimensions of an item, such as its width and length.
尺码chí mǎ: A labeled size or number showing the suitable fit of clothing or shoes.
规格guī gé: The stated standards and dimensions for a product or part.

Definition in Chinese

指物体、时间或程度的长短，即长度或持续时间的长与短，也可作为概括性词语指事物的优劣或好坏。zhǐ wù tǐ shí jiān huò chéng dù de cháng duǎn jí cháng dù huò chí xù shí jiān de cháng yǔ duǎn yě kě zuò wéi gài kuò xìng cí yǔ zhǐ shì wù de yōu liè huò hǎo huài

Word origin

长短 (chángduǎn, "long and short") joins 长 (cháng, "long") and 短 (duǎn, "short"), making a compact noun for comparing opposite degrees of extent and, by extension, merit.

Usage tips

  • English usually separates physical size, time span, and evaluation into different nouns, while Chinese can leave the dimension or judgment to context when this word is used.

Other meanings

  • strengths and weaknessesnoun

Word lists with this word