斷

Compound ideograph consisting of:

㡭 (이을 계) — representing continuous threads or lines, symbolizing connection or continuation.

斤 (도끼 근) — representing cutting or striking.

Together, they depict cutting through what is connected, i.e., to sever, divide, or terminate.

During the clerical script (隸書) stage, the left component 㡭 was reversed horizontally, producing the modern structure used today.

決斷 (결단) — decisive judgment, resolution

斷定 (단정) — to conclude, determine

斷念 (단념) — renunciation, giving up attachment

斷交 (단교) — to sever diplomatic relations

斷水 (단수) — water supply cut-off

斷線 (단선) — broken wire, severed connection

斷層 (단층) — geological fault, layer break

斷章取義 (단장취의) — “quoting out of context” (lit. cutting a passage to take its meaning)

In both Confucian ethics and Buddhist doctrine, 斷 symbolizes moral decision and detachment — the ability to sever indecision, desire, or delusion (cutting off desires or ignorance (斷惑, 斷欲)).

Thus, it bridges the physical act of cutting with the spiritual act of transcendence:

《論語》: 「君子斷之於義。」

“The gentleman decides (acts decisively) according to righteousness.”

《法華經》: 「斷一切煩惱。」

“To cut off all afflictions.”

In Buddhist terminology the verb 斷 often expresses the cessation of worldly attachments (煩惱斷, “cutting off defilements”), a key notion in achieving enlightenment.

Linguistic derivatives:

Korean: 단 — used widely in compounds (결단, 단절, 단수).

Japanese: ダン (dan) — in words like 判断 (はんだん, judgment) or 断つ (たつ, to cut off).

Chinese: duàn — in modern vocabulary like 断绝 (break off), 判断 (judge), 中断 (interrupt).