短
dyun2
The English word 'short' is translated into Cantonese as 短 (dyun2).
The word 短 is used to describe both physical length (like a tail or a skirt) and temporal duration (like a short time or a short meeting).
Meaning: abrupt, brief, pointed, petulant (adj)
Which one should you use?
The antonym of 短 (short) is 長 (long).
How does it change in a sentence?
Combining 短 (short) with 袖 (sleeve) creates the term for short-sleeved clothing. Combining 短 (short) with 裙 (skirt) creates the term for a short skirt.
How do you pronounce it?
dyun2
Did you know?
- While 短 describes physical length, Cantonese uses a different word 矮 to describe a person who is short in height.
- If someone is described as 短路, it literally means 'short circuit' but is used as slang to say they are confused or having a brain fart.
- The phrase 短視 literally means 'short sight' but is the standard term for being narrow-minded or lacking foresight.
Examples in context
- 你着短袖唔凍嘅咩？Aren't you cold in short sleeves?This sentence uses 短 to ask about wearing short sleeves.Tatoeba #6103511 by nickyeow, translation #4254977 by CK
- 而家已經唔興著短裙喇。Short skirts are already out of fashion.This sentence uses 短 to mention that short skirts are no longer in fashion.Tatoeba #1128587 by nickyeow, translation #388668 by CK
- 兔仔對耳好長、條尾好短。A rabbit has long ears and a short tail.This sentence uses 短 to describe the length of a rabbit's tail.Tatoeba #5733430 by nickyeow, translation #2117 by Zifre
- 我身高較矮。I am relatively short in height.
- 你好矮仔喎。You are quite short, huh?
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A young man is complaining about his recent text message response.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung點解佢回覆得咁短？dim2 wai4 lui4 fuk1 dak1 gam3 dyun2?Why was his reply so short?
- 俊傑 Chun Kit可能佢而家好忙啦。ho2 nang4 keoi5 ji4 gaai1 hou2 mong4 laa1.Maybe he is very busy right now.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung我覺得佢好似唔想理我。ngo5 gok3 dak1 keoi5 hou2 ci5 m4 soeng2 lei5 ngo5.I feel like he doesn't want to talk to me.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit唔好諗得太多喇。m4 hou2 nam2 dak1 taai3 do1 laa3.Don't overthink it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
