Meaning
突然 describes something that happens quickly and without warning. It can function as an adjective (a sudden event) or, more commonly, as an adverb placed before a verb to indicate that an action occurred unexpectedly. It conveys a sense of surprise or lack of preparation.
Usage
Native speakers frequently use 突然 before verbs to emphasize the unexpected nature of an action. It's common in both spoken and written Chinese. Often appears with 地 in more formal contexts (突然地), though the 地 is frequently omitted in everyday speech. Naturally pairs with verbs describing changes in state or surprising actions.
Examples
- 01天气突然变冷了。.The weather suddenly turned cold.
- 02他突然站起来走了。.He suddenly stood up and left.
Characters
Common collocations
- 突然发现suddenly discover/realize
- 突然想起suddenly remember
- 突然之间all of a sudden
- 突然袭击surprise attack
Antonyms
Origin
突 originally meant to dash or charge forward suddenly, while 然 is a classical suffix indicating manner or state. Together they form a word meaning 'in a sudden manner.'