Cutting off and decision with 断
The kanji 断 centers on cut off, sever, and make a decisive break. From literal cutting, it is further used for decisions, diagnosis, interruption, and firm statements that cut away hesitation or uncertainty.
Etymology
The modern form 断 is the simplified form of the older 斷. The old form is a phono-semantic compound involving 斤 (axe) and a sound-bearing component that also contributed the idea of severing threads. The core image is of cutting something cleanly apart.
Judgment
断定 (Definite conclusion)
断定 means a definite conclusion, categorical assertion, or the act of deciding something firmly. It emphasizes deciding without leaving room for doubt.
It combines 断 (decide firmly) with 定 (fix) to show a firmly fixed conclusion.
Inspector Megure suggests the murder suspect committed suicide by drowning himself. The medical examiner suggests otherwise.
- 監察医:
- 「ですが死因は溺死ではありません…」
- “However, drowning wasn't the cause of death...”
- 目暮:
- 「え？」
- “What?”
- 監察医:
- 「解剖してみないと断定できませんが… おそらく毒物を飲んだあと池に入ったものと…」
- “I can't say for certain without an autopsy... but it's likely he took poison and then entered the pond...”
Lapses
油断 (Carelessness)
油断 means carelessness, letting one’s guard down, or being off one’s guard. It describes the lapse that happens when attention relaxes and vigilance slips.
It combines 油 (oil) with 断 (cut off) in an idiomatic expression where the image suggests vigilance slipping away.
Realizing Urushi is hiding in a box to try and scare him, Ayumu sits with his back to the box.
- 歩:
- 「どうですか？油断だらけのこの背中…」
- “How is it? This back filled with carelessness.”
Permission
無断 (Without permission)
無断 means without permission, without notice, or without obtaining someone’s consent first. It is commonly used for acts done on one’s own authority, such as entering, leaving, using, copying, or reposting something.
The word often appears in warnings and rules, where it marks an action as unauthorized.
It combines 無 (without) with 断 (decision) to show something done without prior consent, notice, or authorization.
Sazanka sneaks out of class, leaving the teacher to send Asagao to bring her back. As Asagao chases Sazanka across the rooftops near the upper grade classroom, Tsubaki spots them. She meets them up on the roof and recites the school’s first rule.
- ツバキ:
- 「ひとつ。無断で勝手な行動をとるべからず。」
- “One: Doing as you please without permission is strictly forbidden.”