How to use 干脆
Subj. + 干脆 + Verb Phrase
干脆 introduces a straightforward decision that cuts through hesitation or inconvenience. A preceding situation often explains why the speaker prefers to stop considering complicated alternatives. The action after 干脆 is presented as the practical direct choice, whether the speaker recommends it to someone else or describes their own decision.
Put 干脆 before the main action phrase. It can precede a negative command or a report of deciding not to do something, so it does not always call for a positive action. 吧 often softens a suggestion at the end. Distinguish this adverbial use from describing a person or response as direct and decisive; here the focus is on choosing the course.
Examples with pinyin and English
家里什么都没有， 干脆出去吃吧。
There is nothing in the house, let's just go out to eat.
既然学不好， 干脆别学了。
Since you can't learn it, just stop studying.
这台破电脑又坏了， 干脆别修了， 买台新的吧。
This crappy old computer broke again. Might as well not fix it and just buy a new one.
苹果很贵，我干脆没买， 只买了点香蕉。
Apples are too expensive. I didn't buy them, and just bought some bananas.
What to remember
- 干脆 introduces a decisive course of action.
- It can precede a negative phrase.
- 吧 can make the proposal more conversational.
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Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
Difficulty labels describe the level of the explanation; they are not official HSK placement. Send a correction with this page’s URL.