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长短
cháng duǎn
length
这条裙子的长短正好合适。
The length of this skirt is just right.
neutral
The measurement of something from end to end in one dimension.
请量一下这块布的长短。
Please measure the length of this fabric.
Often used to describe physical dimensions or abstract qualities like time.
literary
shortcomings or faults, often referring to personal flaws or moral failings.
人非圣贤，孰能无长短？
No one is perfect; who doesn't have shortcomings?
Used in classical or formal contexts to mean 'faults' or 'weaknesses'.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with idioms
'长短' as 'length' is literal; avoid interpreting it as an idiom unless in classical contexts.
Gold Rule
Context matters
In everyday speech, '长短' almost always refers to physical length. The abstract meaning is confined to literary or formal writing.
Word Origin
Composed of '长' (cháng, long) and '短' (duǎn, short), reflecting the contrast between the two dimensions.
Usage Notes
In modern usage, '长短' primarily refers to physical length. The abstract meaning of 'faults' is archaic and rarely used in spoken Mandarin.
Word Breakdown
长
long
root短
short
root汉英词典