Meaning
急剧 describes changes or developments that happen suddenly and with great intensity or magnitude. It emphasizes both the speed (急) and the degree (剧) of change, typically used for significant or drastic shifts in conditions, quantities, or situations.
Usage
Commonly used in formal writing, news reports, and academic contexts to describe sudden economic, social, or natural changes. Often appears before verbs like 上升 (rise), 下降 (fall), 增加 (increase), or 变化 (change). Native speakers prefer this term over 很快 when emphasizing the dramatic nature of the change rather than just the speed.
Examples
- 01近年来，这个城市的房价急剧上升。, .In recent years, housing prices in this city have risen sharply.
- 02气温急剧下降，大家要注意保暖。, .The temperature has dropped dramatically, everyone should pay attention to staying warm.
Characters
Common collocations
- 急剧上升to rise sharply
- 急剧下降to fall sharply
- 急剧增加to increase dramatically
- 急剧变化to change drastically
Antonyms
Origin
Combines 急 (urgent/rapid) with 剧 (intense/severe). The character 剧 originally related to theatrical drama, suggesting something striking or dramatic, which evolved to mean intense or severe changes.