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手段

shǒuduàn
noun HSK 5 #2,445

Meanings

  1. 1 method; means; measure
  2. 2 trick; scheme (negative connotation)
  3. 3 skill; ability

Characters

手
shǒu
hand
段
duàn
section; segment; means
The 'segments' of what the hand can do - methods, means, or tricks.

Examples

HSK 5
我们必须采取有效手段。
Wǒmen bìxū cǎiqǔ yǒuxiào shǒuduàn.
We must adopt effective measures.
HSK 7-9
他的手段很高明。
Tā de shǒuduàn hěn gāomíng.
His methods are very clever.
HSK 7-9
不要用不正当的手段。
Búyào yòng bú zhèngdàng de shǒuduàn.
Don't use improper means.

Tips

usage
手段 is neutral in formal contexts (有效手段 = effective measures) but often negative in daily speech, implying manipulation or scheming (耍手段 = play tricks).
usage
Compare with 手法 (technique/method - more about skill) and 方法 (method - fully neutral).

Stroke Order

手 shǒu
段 duàn