adjective / adverb HSK 5
Traditional 乾脆
straightforward · direct · simply · might as well
Meaning
干脆 describes doing something in a direct, decisive manner without hesitation or complication. As an adjective, it means straightforward or crisp. As an adverb, it suggests taking the most direct action, often with the sense of 'might as well' or 'just go ahead and do it.'
Usage
Commonly used in spoken Chinese to express a decisive attitude or to suggest doing something directly without overthinking. Often appears before verbs to indicate a simple, direct course of action. The phrase carries a tone of determination and can soften suggestions or advice.
Examples
- 01既然下雨了，我们干脆就不去了。, .Since it's raining, we might as well just not go.
- 02他说话很干脆，从不拖泥带水。, .He speaks very directly and is never indecisive.
Characters
Common collocations
- 干脆利落straightforward and efficient
- 说话干脆to speak straightforwardly
- 干脆点be more direct
Antonyms
Origin
Originally meant 'dry and crisp' from its component meanings. The meaning extended metaphorically to describe actions or speech that are clean-cut and decisive, like something crisp breaking cleanly.