Meaning
The kanji 断 (だん, たつ, ことわる) encompasses meanings like 'cutting off,' 'deciding,' and 'refusing.' At its core, it signifies a definitive separation or conclusion. This can manifest physically as severing a connection, or abstractly as making a firm decision or declining an offer. It also conveys the idea of discontinuing something, such as breaking a habit or abstaining from a vice.
To understand its origin, look at the traditional form of this kanji: 斷. This is an ideogrammic compound. The left component, 𢇍 or 㡭, depicts bundles of silk or threads. The right component is 斤, which means 'axe'. Together, these elements vividly show an axe cutting through threads. This imagery effectively conveys severing, breaking, or cutting off. It thus establishes the kanji's fundamental meaning. In modern Japanese (Shinjitai) and Simplified Chinese, the complex left side was simplified. However, it retains the core semantic idea of 'cutting with an axe'.
This kanji has 11 strokes. It is taught in the 5th grade of Japanese elementary school, making it a Kyōiku Kanji. As a vital kanji for the JLPT N3 examination, it indicates intermediate importance and common everyday usage.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi for 断 is ダン (dan). This reading appears in compound words. It often conveys decision, judgment, or outright cessation. These compounds frequently originate from Chinese vocabulary.
- 判断 (handan) — judgment; decision; conclusion. It combines '半' (half, part) with '断', implying a decision based on available information.
- 決断 (ketsudan) — decision; determination; resolution. Here, '決' (to decide, fix) combined with '断' emphasizes making a firm and resolute choice.
- 断水 (dansui) — suspension of water supply; water outage. A very direct use, where '水' (water) is '断' (cut off).
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kanji 断 has two main Kun'yomi readings. Each forms distinct verbs with nuanced meanings reflecting native Japanese vocabulary.
た.つ (ta.tsu)
When read as たつ (written with the okurigana as 断つ), it means 'to cut off,' 'to sever,' 'to abstain from,' or 'to break a connection.' It implies a deliberate action to stop or discontinue something. Often, it carries a sense of finality.
- 酒を断つ (sake o tatsu) — to quit drinking alcohol; to abstain from sake. This is a common phrase for breaking a habit.
- 連絡を断つ (renraku o tatsu) — to cut off communication; to lose contact. Implies a severing of connection.
- 退路を断つ (tairo o tatsu) — to cut off one's retreat; to burn one's bridges. A metaphorical use, indicating commitment by eliminating options to go back.
ことわ.る (kotowa.ru)
When read as ことわる (written with the okurigana as 断る), it means 'to refuse,' 'to decline,' or 'to give notice/warning in advance.' This reading applies when politely or firmly rejecting an offer or request. It is also used for notifying someone of something beforehand.
- 誘いを断る (sasoi o kotowaru) — to refuse an invitation. A common social interaction.
- 丁寧に断る (teinei ni kotowaru) — to politely decline. Emphasizes the manner of refusal.
- 断りを入れる (kotowari o ireru) — to give notice; to ask for permission. This idiom highlights the 'giving notice' aspect of the meaning.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 断 forms a wide array of useful compound words, reflecting its diverse meanings. These can be grouped by themes such as decision-making, cessation, or prevention.
Decision & Judgment
- 判断 (handan) — judgment; decision. As in: 状況を判断する (to judge the situation).
- 決断 (ketsudan) — decision; determination. As in: 早急な決断が必要だ (A prompt decision is necessary).
- 独断 (dokudan) — one's own judgment/discretion; arbitrary decision. As in: 彼の独断で物事が進んだ (Things proceeded by his arbitrary decision).
- 診断 (shindan) — diagnosis. As in: 病気を診断する (to diagnose an illness).
Cessation & Severing
- 断絶 (danzetsu) — complete break; discontinuation; severance. As in: 国交が断絶する (diplomatic relations are severed).
- 遮断 (shadan) — cutoff; isolation; blocking. As in: 音を遮断する (to block out sound).
- 中断 (chūdan) — interruption; suspension. As in: 会議が中断する (the meeting is interrupted).
- 断念 (dannen) — abandonment (of hope, plan); giving up. As in: 計画を断念せざるをえない (cannot but abandon the plan).
Crossing & Intersecting
- 横断 (ōdan) — crossing (e.g., a road, ocean). As in: 道路を横断する (to cross the road).
- 断面 (danmen) — cross section. As in: 木の断面を見る (to look at the cross section of a tree).
Caution & Negligence
- 油断 (yudan) — negligence; carelessness; unpreparedness. Often used in the negative sense, like 油断するな (Don't let your guard down!).
Example Sentences
明日から甘いものを断つことにしました。
Ashita kara amai mono o tatsu koto ni shimashita.
I decided to cut out sweets starting tomorrow.
彼は私の誘いを丁寧に断った。
Kare wa watashi no sasoi o teinei ni kotowatta.
He politely declined my invitation.
緊急時には、電気が断たれることがあります。
Kinkyūji ni wa, denki ga tatareru koto ga arimasu.
In an emergency, electricity may be cut off.
重要な判断は慎重にすべきです。
Jūyō na handan wa shinchō ni suru beki desu.
Important judgments should be made carefully.
長い時間の議論の末、彼らは最終的な決断を下した。
Nagai jikan no giron no sue, karera wa saishūteki na ketsudan o kudashita.
After a long discussion, they made the final decision.
油断せず、常に周りに注意しましょう。
Yudan sezu, tsune ni mawari ni chūi shimashō.
Don't be careless; always pay attention to your surroundings.
医師による精密な診断が病気の早期発見につながった。
Ishi ni yoru seimitsu na shindan ga byōki no sōki hakken ni tsunagatta.
A precise diagnosis by the doctor led to early detection of the illness.
子供が道路を横断する際は、手を繋いでください。
Kodomo ga dōro o ōdan suru sai wa, te o tsunaide kudasai.
When children cross the road, please hold their hands.
彼は自らの夢を断念せざるを得なかった。
Kare wa mizukara no yume o dannen sezaruo enakatta.
He had no choice but to give up his dream.
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 断, think of its ancient form, 斷. This character shows threads (𢇍/㡭 on the left) being cut by an axe (斤 on the right). Imagine a determined warrior using a sharp axe to cleanly sever ropes. This symbolizes a swift and resolute action. This visual connects the kanji to its core meanings: 'to cut off', 'to sever', and 'to decide'. The simplified modern form, 断, still retains the 'axe' radical 斤 at the bottom-right. This acts as a direct reminder of the powerful cutting action. When you see 断, envision that decisive chop that brings about separation or a firm resolution.