钝 dùn blunt
blunt; obtuse; dull
How to remember 钝: 钅 gold + 屯 to store = blunt. The chef throws his fancy gold knife into a box to store over winter, and in spring it is blunt.
Component breakdown
钝 = 钅 gold + 屯 to store
- 钅 gold
- 屯 to store
The chef throws his fancy gold knife into a box to store over winter, and in spring it is blunt.
How it is used
- Blunt/dull, the opposite of sharp 锐/利: 刀钝了 (dāo dùn le) the knife has gone blunt - 锋利的刀 (fēnglì de dāo) a sharp knife.
- Mostly used figuratively for slow-witted or slow-reacting - 迟钝 (chídùn) as in 反应迟钝 (fǎnyìng chídùn) slow to react, dim.
- Contrast 敏锐 (mǐnruì) sharp/keen; 钝 is the mental and physical dullness at the other end.