(shǒu duàn) - means, method, tactic in Mandarin
shǒuduànTraditional: 手段
Translation
means, method, tactic
Word origin
From 手 (shǒu, hand) and 段 (duàn, a section or stretch), originally a stretch of handiwork or skill, later the method by which something is done.
- Origin
- compound
- Root
- 手 (shǒu, hand) + 段 (duàn, section, stretch)
Stroke order
手
段
Examples
，。
To win, he will resort to any tactic at all.
，。
This is only a means, not an end.
。
They solved the problem by peaceful means.
。
The company's tactic here is not very above board.
。
Deceiving people is the worst tactic there is.
手段 (shǒuduàn) is the means by which you get something done. Where 方法 is a neutral method and 办法 is a workable solution, 手段 points at the tactic behind the action, and it very often carries a shadow.
That shadow is the useful part. 不择手段 means stopping at nothing, and a bare 他很有手段 says a person is resourceful in a way you might not want aimed at you. Pair it with 和平 or 法律 and the shadow lifts.
The English-speaker trap is using 手段 wherever you would say method. Ask a colleague 你用什么手段？ and you have implied they are working an angle. For a plain how-did-you-do-it question, 方法 is the safe word.
Where this fits
Add to review queue
Track this word in your spaced-repetition queue and be tested on it at the right interval.
Go to my review queueMandarin · Free printables
手段: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the Mandarin word "手段" (means, method, tactic): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
Free for members
The printable worksheets, infographics and PDFs are free with an account. Start a free week and download as many as you like.
Start your free weekThis word is part of lesson 55.