verb / adjective HSK 4
sudden · to protrude · to break through · abrupt
Meaning
突 conveys the idea of something happening suddenly or unexpectedly, or physically protruding/breaking through. It appears frequently in compound words relating to sudden events or actions that break through barriers.
Usage
Rarely used alone in modern Mandarin. Most commonly appears in compounds like 突然 (suddenly), 突出 (prominent, to stand out), 突破 (breakthrough). When used independently, it typically means to protrude or jut out, but this usage is somewhat literary.
Examples
- 01这个问题很突出，我们必须马上解决。, .This problem is very prominent; we must solve it immediately.
- 02他突然出现在我面前，把我吓了一跳。, .He suddenly appeared in front of me and gave me a fright.
Common collocations
- 突如其来to come unexpectedly, out of the blue
- 突发事件sudden incident, emergency
- 突飞猛进to advance by leaps and bounds
Antonyms
Origin
The character combines 穴 (cave/hole) with 犬 (dog), originally depicting a dog suddenly bursting out from a hole, giving the meaning of sudden emergence or protrusion.