HSK 7-9
断然
duànrán
Resolutely; flatly; absolutely
Structure
Subject + 断然 + Verb (e.g., 拒绝, 采取, 否认)
How it works
"断然" is an adverb used to describe a decision or action that is made with absolute determination and without hesitation. It often carries a sense of sternness or finality, typically used when refusing, rejecting, or taking a decisive measure.
Examples
面对不正当的利益诱惑，他断然拒绝了。
Miànduì bù zhèngdàng de lìyì yòuhuò, tā duànrán jùjué le.
Faced with the temptation of improper interests, he resolutely refused.
政府决定断然采取措施以遏制通货膨胀。
Zhèngfǔ juédìng duànrán cǎiqǔ cuòshī yǐ èzhì tōnghuò péngzhàng.
The government decided to take decisive measures to curb inflation.
对于这种毫无根据的指责，他断然予以否认。
Duìyú zhè zhǒng háo wú gēnjù de zhǐzé, tā duànrán yǔyǐ fǒurèn.
He flatly denied these baseless accusations.
Common mistakes
Confusing '断然' with '虽然' or '依然'. '断然' is about decisiveness, not contrast or continuation.
Tip
Associate '断然' with the verb '断' (to cut/break). Think of it as 'cutting off' all other possibilities or hesitation.
More HSK 7-9 grammar
See 断然 in real Chinese
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