C1 Time Expressions 12 min read Hard

Literary Time Markers: In an Instant (顷刻, 俄而, 未几)

Use these literary temporal markers to add dramatic flair and professional polish to your C1-level Chinese writing.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use these literary markers to describe events happening in a very short span of time with elegance.

  • 顷刻 {qǐngkè|qǐngkè} emphasizes a very brief, almost immediate duration: 顷刻之间，大雨倾盆。
  • 俄而 {é'ér|é'ér} suggests a short interval before an event happens: 俄而雪骤。
  • 未几 {wèijǐ|wèijǐ} indicates 'not long after': 未几，他便离开了。
Time Marker + (Subject) + Verb

Overview

In advanced Chinese, moving beyond conversational fluency requires mastering the nuances of register. The time markers 顷刻(qǐngkè), 俄而(é'ér), and 未几(wèijǐ) are prime examples of this. They are formal, literary adverbs used in written Chinese (书面语(shūmiànyǔ)) to denote that an action occurred very quickly or soon after a preceding event.

While their colloquial counterparts like 马上 | mǎshàng (right away) or 一会儿 | yīhuì'er (in a moment) handle daily communication, these three markers elevate your language, imbuing it with a narrative and often dramatic quality rooted in Classical Chinese.

Think of them not as direct synonyms, but as points on a spectrum of literary immediacy. 顷刻(qǐngkè) is the most intense, signifying an almost instantaneous, often startling change—the proverbial "blink of an eye." 俄而(é'ér) suggests a very brief pause, akin to "presently" or "a moment later," and carries the most classical, archaic flavor of the three. 未几(wèijǐ), literally "not long after," is the most narratively neutral, used to link sequential events that happen in close succession without the high drama of 顷刻.

Using them correctly signals a sophisticated control of style and an appreciation for the written tradition of the language.

How This Grammar Works

The primary function of these terms is to serve as sentence adverbs, modifying the entire clause that follows to establish its temporal relationship to what came before. Their formal register stems directly from their origins in Classical Chinese (文言文(wényánwén)), where brevity and literary flair were paramount. Understanding their roots helps clarify their usage: 顷 was an ancient measure of time (a moment), 俄 meant sudden or unexpected, and 未几 is a direct classical construction meaning "not much time passed."
Syntactically, they are most often placed at the beginning of a clause, either directly before the subject or, more commonly, before the verb phrase. When connecting two events, the first event is stated in the first clause, and the literary marker introduces the second. For example: 风停了，未几，雨也停了(fēng tíngle, wèijǐ, yǔ yě tíngle) (The wind stopped; before long, the rain also stopped).
The structure provides a rhythmic, narrative cadence.
While they describe events that happen quickly, they don't have a grammatical requirement to be paired with aspect particles like 了|le or 起来|qǐlái. However, because they almost always describe a completed action or a sudden change of state that has just happened, they naturally co-occur with such particles. Consider the sentence: 听到这个消息，他的脸色顷刻就变了(tīngdào zhège xiāoxī, tā de liǎnsè qǐngkè jiù biànle) (Upon hearing the news, his face changed in an instant).
The particle 了 finalizes the change that 顷刻 describes as instantaneous.
These markers are essentially high-register substitutes for more common temporal adverbs. Their use doesn't alter the fundamental grammar of the sentence; rather, it elevates its stylistic tone from mundane to literary. Their presence is a signal that the text is not merely informational but is crafted with a certain aesthetic intention, whether for narration, formal reporting, or poetic effect.

Formation Pattern

1
The grammatical structure for employing these markers is straightforward and consistent. The main variation depends on whether you are describing a single event's speed or connecting two consecutive events.
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Pattern 1: Subject + Marker + Verb Phrase
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This is the most direct usage, where the marker modifies the verb associated with a single subject.
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他顷刻明白了事情的真相。| Tā qǐngkè míngbáile shìqíng de zhēnxiàng. (He understood the truth of the matter in an instant.)
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Pattern 2: Clause 1, Marker + (Subject) + Verb Phrase
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This pattern is used for narrative sequencing, establishing one event and then immediately introducing the next.
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太阳落山了，俄而，月亮升了起来。| Tàiyáng luòshānle, é'ér, yuèliàng shēngle qǐlái. (The sun set; a moment later, the moon rose.)
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For greater clarity, here is a detailed breakdown of each marker:
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| Marker | Literal Meaning / Origin | Nuance & Speed | Common Forms & Collocations | Example Sentence |
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| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
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| 顷刻 ( qǐngkè) | "A moment of time" | Instantaneous, dramatic, sudden. Used for abrupt, often visual or emotional changes. The fastest of the three. | 顷刻之间(qǐngkè zhījiān) (within a moment's time), 顷刻而下(qǐngkè ér xià) (to pour down instantly, of rain) | 平静的湖面顷刻间波涛汹涌。( Píngjìng de húmiàn qǐngkè jiān bōtāo xiōngyǒng.) (The calm lake surface instantly became turbulent.) |
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| 俄而 ( é'ér) | "Sudden, and then..." | A very short while later. Slower than 顷刻, but still implying great speed. Has a strong classical, almost archaic feel. | Often stands alone followed by a comma. | 刚才还是晴天，俄而，乌云密布。( Gāngcái háishì qíngtiān, é'ér, wūyún mìbù.) (Just now it was sunny; presently, dark clouds gathered.) |
13
| 未几 ( wèijǐ) | "Not much time" | Before long, soon after. The most neutral of the three, focusing on sequence rather than pure speed or drama. Common in historical or formal narratives. | Can be followed by a comma or integrated directly. | 两军交战，未几，胜负已分。( Liǎng jūn jiāozhàn, wèijǐ, shèngfù yǐ fēn.) (The two armies battled; before long, victory and defeat were determined.) |
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Note the chengyu 顷刻之间(qǐngkè zhījiān). It functions identically to 顷刻 as an adverb but can also act as a time noun phrase, as in 在顷刻之间，一切都改变了(zài qǐngkè zhījiān, yīqiè dōu gǎibiànle) (In the span of an instant, everything changed). This adds a slight layer of emphasis on the contained nature of the timeframe.

When To Use It

Mastering these markers is about understanding context and register. You reach for them when your goal is to transcend simple communication and engage in sophisticated narration or formal discourse.
1. Narrative and Literary Writing: This is their natural habitat. In novels, short stories, and essays (散文(sǎnwén)), these words control the pacing of the plot.
They create tension and signal significant moments. Use 顷刻 for a sudden plot twist or a dramatic natural event. Use 未几 to move the story along by connecting a series of actions efficiently.
  • Literary Example: 他刚放下电话，未几，门铃就响了。他心中一紧，知道麻烦来了。( Tā gāng fàngxià diànhuà, wèijǐ, ménlíng jiù xiǎngle. Tā xīnzhōng yī jǐn, zhīdào máfan láile.) (He had just put down the phone when, before long, the doorbell rang. His heart tightened; he knew trouble had arrived.)
2. Formal Journalism and Official Reports: In news articles, especially concerning sudden events, these markers lend an air of authority and seriousness. 顷刻 is often used to describe disasters, market crashes, or rapid political shifts because it conveys urgency and impact.
  • News Report Example: 由于服务器发生意外故障，该公司的全球网络顷刻陷入瘫痪。( Yóuyú fúwùqì fāshēng yìwài gùzhàng, gāi gōngsī de quánqiú wǎngluò qǐngkè xiànrù tānhuàn.) (Due to an unexpected server failure, the company's global network was instantly paralyzed.)
3. Historical Accounts: 未几 and, to a lesser extent, 俄而 are staples of historical writing. They provide a formal, chronological structure that feels objective and scholarly, connecting events in a timeline.
  • Historical Narrative Example: 将军下达了进攻命令，未几，前线便传来了捷报。( Jiāngjūn xiàdále jìngōng mìnglìng, wèijǐ, qiánxiàn biàn chuán láile jiébào.) (The general gave the order to attack; soon after, news of victory came from the front line.)
4. Figurative and Poetic Descriptions: These markers are not limited to physical events. They can powerfully describe sudden emotional or psychological shifts, adding a layer of literary depth to character descriptions.
  • Figurative Example: 听完他的解释，她心中的疑云顷刻消散了。( Tīng wán tā de jiěshì, tā xīnzhōng de yíyún qǐngkè xiāosànle.) (After listening to his explanation, the clouds of doubt in her heart dissipated in an instant.)

Common Mistakes

The most frequent errors with these markers are not grammatical but stylistic, stemming from a misunderstanding of their formal register and subtle nuances.
1. Register Mismatch: This is the cardinal sin. Using these formal terms in casual, colloquial contexts sounds awkward and unnatural, as if wearing a gown to a coffee shop. Native speakers will understand you, but it will be immediately jarring.
  • Mistake: 你等我一下，我俄而就回来。( Nǐ děng wǒ yīxià, wǒ é'ér jiù huílái.) (Wait for me, I'll be back in a moment.)
  • Why it's wrong: The context is highly informal. 俄而 is far too literary for this everyday situation.
  • Correction: 你等我一下，我马上就回来。( Nǐ děng wǒ yīxià, wǒ mǎshàng jiù huílái.) or ...我一会儿就回来。( ...wǒ yīhuì'er jiù huílái.)
2. Nuance Confusion: While all three mean "quickly," they are not interchangeable. Using the wrong one can weaken your intended meaning.
  • Mistake: 魔术师挥了挥手，未几，兔子出现了。( Móshùshī huīle huī shǒu, wèijǐ, tùzǐ chūxiànle.) (The magician waved his hand, and before long, a rabbit appeared.)
  • Why it's wrong: 未几 is too slow and narrative for the instantaneous shock of a magic trick. It removes the sense of wonder.
  • Correction: 魔术师挥了挥手，顷刻间，一只兔子凭空出现了。( Móshùshī huīle huī shǒu, qǐngkè jiān, yī zhǐ tùzǐ píngkōng chūxiànle.) (The magician waved his hand, and in an instant, a rabbit appeared out of thin air.)
3. Redundancy (Tautology): These adverbs are already absolute in their meaning of speed. Modifying them with another adverb of time like 很 | hěn or 很快 | hěn kuài is grammatically redundant.
  • Mistake: *天色很快顷刻就暗了下来。| Tiānsè hěn kuài qǐngkè jiù ànle xiàlái.
  • Why it's wrong: This is like saying "the sky very quickly in-an-instant darkened." The concepts are the same.
  • Correction: 天色顷刻就暗了下来。( Tiānsè qǐngkè jiù ànle xiàlái.)
4. Subject Ambiguity: When using Pattern 2 (Clause 1, Marker + Clause 2), if the subject of the second clause is different from the first, you must state it clearly to avoid confusion.
  • Ambiguous: 我刚到家，未几，下起了大雨。( Wǒ gāng dàojiā, wèijǐ, xià qǐle dàyǔ.) (I just got home, and before long, it started raining heavily.) - This is acceptable but can be weak.
  • Clearer: 我刚到家，未几，天就下起了大雨。( Wǒ gāng dàojiā, wèijǐ, tiān jiù xià qǐle dàyǔ.) (Adding the subject 天 | tiān for the rain clarifies the sentence, though context often makes it clear.)

Real Conversations

To truly understand register, it is essential to see how these words are used—and not used—in practice. These markers are absent from 99% of spoken conversations.

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Scenario 1

Incorrect Casual Use (WeChat conversation)
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A

你在哪儿？电影快开始了！( Nǐ zài nǎ'er? Diànyǐng kuài kāishǐle!)

(Where are you? The movie's about to start!)

B (Learner): 别急，我坐上出租车了，俄而就到。( Bié jí, wǒ zuò shàng chūzū chēle, é'ér jiù dào.)

(Don't worry, I'm in the taxi, I'll arrive presently.)

N

Native Speaker Reaction

* This sounds very strange and overly dramatic. A native speaker would never use 俄而 here.

Correction (Native Speaker):* 别急，我坐上出租车了，马上就到。( Bié jí, wǒ zuò shàng chūzū chēle, mǎshàng jiù dào.)

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Scenario 2

Correct Formal Use (News Broadcast)
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Anchor

* 下午三点，一道闪电击中了市中心的变电站，导致整个城市的电力供应顷刻中断。目前，工程师正在紧急抢修。( Xiàwǔ sān diǎn, yīdào shǎndiàn jízhòngle shìzhōngxīn de biàndiànzhàn, dǎozhì zhěnggè chéngshì de diànlì gōngyìng qǐngkè zhōngduàn. Mùqián, gōngchéngshī zhèngzài jǐnjí qiǎngxiū.)

(At 3 PM, a lightning strike hit the downtown substation, causing the entire city's power supply to be cut off in an instant. Currently, engineers are carrying out emergency repairs.)

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Analysis

* 顷刻 is perfect here. It conveys the sudden, widespread, and impactful nature of the event in a formal, authoritative tone suitable for a news report.
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Scenario 3

Correct Stylistic Use (Social Media Post)

A user posts a video of a stunning sunset over the ocean.

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Caption

* 天空的色彩在顷刻之间从金色变为深紫，大自然是最伟大的艺术家。( Tiānkōng de sècǎi zài qǐngkè zhījiān cóng jīnsè biàn wèi shēn zǐ, dà zìrán shì zuì wěidà de yìshùjiā.)

(The color of the sky changed from gold to deep purple in the span of a moment. Nature is the greatest artist.)

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Analysis

* This is a self-aware, stylistic use. The author is intentionally using a literary term to add beauty and drama to their post, showing a high level of linguistic skill. It feels poetic, not out of place.

Quick FAQ

Q: Are 顷刻(qǐngkè), 俄而(é'ér), and 未几(wèijǐ) completely interchangeable?

No. They represent different degrees of speed and formality. Use 顷刻 for maximum speed and drama. Use 俄而 for a slightly more measured, classical feel. Use 未几 for neutral, formal sequencing of events, especially in narration.

Q: How does 顿时(dùnshí) compare to 顷刻(qǐngkè)?

This is a crucial distinction. 顿时(dùnshí) (at once, suddenly) also describes an immediate change, but it often emphasizes the result or a change in state/atmosphere triggered by a specific event. 顷刻 often emphasizes the speed of the event itself. For instance, 听到坏消息，他顿时愣住了(tīngdào huài xiāoxī, tā dùnshí lèng zhùle) (Hearing the bad news, he froze on the spot). The focus is on his state (愣住) as a result. 顷刻 could describe the event that caused the news, e.g., 大楼顷刻倒塌(dàlóu qǐngkè dǎotā).

Q: Which one is the most and least common?

In modern written Chinese, 顷刻 (and its form 顷刻之间) is the most common and versatile. 未几 is also frequently seen in formal writing and literature. 俄而 is the least common and most archaic; its use is often a deliberate choice to evoke an old-fashioned, classical style.

Q: Can I use them in a business email?

It depends on the formality. In a highly formal report to a board of directors about a sudden market shift, 顷刻 might be appropriate. For a routine email to your manager about finishing a task, it would be overkill. Stick to 已经 | yǐjīng or 马上 | mǎshàng.

Q: What's the best way to learn to use them correctly?

Focus on input before output. Start by identifying these words in your reading. Pay attention to the context in high-quality sources like literary magazines, academic articles, and reputable news sites (e.g., Caixin, People's Daily). Once you have a feel for their register and nuance, try incorporating them into your own formal writing practice.

Usage Patterns

Marker Meaning Context Register
顷刻
In an instant
Sudden change
Formal
俄而
Soon
Transition
Literary
未几
Not long after
Sequence
Formal

Meanings

These are literary adverbs used to denote that an action or state occurs within a very short timeframe.

1

Instantaneous

Happening in the blink of an eye.

“顷刻之间，万物寂静。”

“他顷刻便做出了决定。”

2

Short Interval

A brief pause before the next action.

“俄而风起。”

“俄而客至。”

3

Not long after

A short duration passing between two events.

“未几，他便归来了。”

“未几，消息传遍全城。”

Reference Table

Reference table for Literary Time Markers: In an Instant (顷刻, 俄而, 未几)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Marker + Subject + Verb
顷刻，他走了。
Affirmative
Marker + Verb
俄而雨止。
Affirmative
Marker + Time Phrase
未几，三日已过。

Formality Spectrum

Formal
俄而雨止。

俄而雨止。 (Weather description)

Neutral
雨很快停了。

雨很快停了。 (Weather description)

Informal
雨停了。

雨停了。 (Weather description)

Slang
雨挂了。

雨挂了。 (Weather description)

Time Marker Map

Literary Time

Sudden

  • 顷刻 Instant

Soon

  • 俄而 Soon

Sequence

  • 未几 Not long after
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Examples by Level

1

很快，他走了。

He left very quickly.

2

一会儿，雨停了。

In a while, the rain stopped.

3

马上，我们要去。

We are going immediately.

4

快点，车来了。

Hurry, the car is here.

1

顷刻，他不见了。

In an instant, he disappeared.

2

俄而，天黑了。

Soon, it got dark.

3

未几，他回来了。

Not long after, he returned.

4

顷刻之间，火灭了。

In an instant, the fire went out.

1

俄而云开雾散。

Soon the clouds cleared.

2

未几，会议结束了。

Not long after, the meeting ended.

3

顷刻，全场欢呼。

In an instant, the whole place cheered.

4

未几，他便升职了。

Not long after, he was promoted.

1

顷刻间，局势发生了逆转。

In an instant, the situation reversed.

2

俄而，雷声大作。

Soon, thunder roared.

3

未几，双方达成协议。

Not long after, both sides reached an agreement.

4

顷刻，他已远去。

In an instant, he had gone far away.

1

顷刻，万物复苏。

In an instant, all things revived.

2

俄而，寒风凛冽。

Soon, the cold wind bit.

3

未几，旧貌换新颜。

Not long after, the old look changed to new.

4

顷刻之间，繁华落尽。

In an instant, the prosperity faded.

1

俄而，星斗满天。

Soon, the stars filled the sky.

2

未几，其志已决。

Not long after, his mind was made up.

3

顷刻，心灰意冷。

In an instant, his heart turned cold.

4

俄而，潮水退去。

Soon, the tide receded.

Easily Confused

Literary Time Markers: In an Instant (顷刻, 俄而, 未几) vs 很快 vs 顷刻

Both mean fast.

Common Mistakes

✗

顷刻我吃饭。

✓

我很快吃饭。

Too formal for daily life.
✗

俄而我睡觉。

✓

我一会儿睡觉。

Incorrect register.
✗

未几，我昨天去。

✓

未几，他便去了。

Cannot use with specific past time markers.
✗

顷刻，他没来。

✓

他顷刻便到了。

Usually used for positive, active events.

Sentence Patterns

___，(Subject) + Verb.

Real World Usage

News report common

顷刻间，大火被扑灭。

Novel common

俄而，他转过身来。

Essay common

未几，观点便被接受。

Speech occasional

顷刻，掌声雷动。

Documentary common

俄而，季节更替。

Formal letter occasional

未几，我将回信。

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💡

Context is key

Only use these in formal writing.
⚠️

Avoid slang

Do not mix with internet slang.
🎯

Read more

Read formal essays to see them in action.
💬

Literary tone

These words define the 'literary' feel.

Smart Tips

Use 顷刻 for sudden events.

他很快消失了。 → 顷刻，他消失了。

Use 未几 for sequence.

不久，协议达成。 → 未几，协议达成。

Use 俄而.

一会儿，风停了。 → 俄而，风停了。

Use 顷刻之间.

很快，大雨倾盆。 → 顷刻之间，大雨倾盆。

Pronunciation

qǐng kè

Tones

Ensure 顷 (qǐng) is 3rd tone and 刻 (kè) is 4th.

Dramatic pause

顷刻 [pause] 他走了。

Adds emphasis.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '顷刻' as a 'King's' (顷) 'cut' (刻) — it happens fast!

Visual Association

Imagine a clock where the hand spins 360 degrees in one second for '顷刻'.

Rhyme

顷刻快，俄而随，未几之后紧相追。

Story

The king (顷) cut (刻) the cake. Soon (俄而) he ate it. Not long after (未几), he felt full.

Word Web

顷刻俄而未几瞬间片刻不久

Challenge

Write three sentences about your morning routine using these markers.

Cultural Notes

Used in formal journalism.

Common in literary essays.

Standard in ancient texts.

Derived from Classical Chinese narrative prose.

Conversation Starters

“

你觉得顷刻之间能发生什么？

Journal Prompts

Describe a sudden change in your day.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

___，他消失了。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 顷刻
顷刻 fits the literary context.
Choose the best fit. Multiple Choice

Which is most formal?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 顷刻
顷刻 is the most literary.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

顷刻我吃饭。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我很快吃饭
顷刻 is too formal for eating.
Reorder. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 顷刻他走了
Adverbial placement.
Translate. Translation

Soon, he returned.

Answer starts with: 俄而他...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 俄而他回来了
俄而 is the best literary fit.
Match. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: All
Correct definitions.
True or False? True False Rule

Can I use 顷刻 in a text to a friend?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
Too formal.
Complete. Dialogue Completion

Narrator: The sun set. ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 俄而天黑了
Best literary fit.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

___，他消失了。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 顷刻
顷刻 fits the literary context.
Choose the best fit. Multiple Choice

Which is most formal?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 顷刻
顷刻 is the most literary.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

顷刻我吃饭。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我很快吃饭
顷刻 is too formal for eating.
Reorder. Sentence Reorder

他 / 顷刻 / 走了

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 顷刻他走了
Adverbial placement.
Translate. Translation

Soon, he returned.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 俄而他回来了
俄而 is the best literary fit.
Match. Match Pairs

Match the word.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: All
Correct definitions.
True or False? True False Rule

Can I use 顷刻 in a text to a friend?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
Too formal.
Complete. Dialogue Completion

Narrator: The sun set. ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 俄而天黑了
Best literary fit.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Reorder the words to form a poetic sentence. Sentence Reorder

大雨 / 顷刻 / 而 / 下 / 间

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 顷刻间大雨而下
Translate this sentence into formal Chinese. Translation

Before long, the news spread throughout the city.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 未几，消息传遍了全城。
Match the literary marker to its modern equivalent. Match Pairs

Match the terms:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 顷刻 : 一下子, 未几 : 不久, 俄而 : 过了一会儿
Choose the word that suggests a brief wait in a story. Fill in the Blank

他在门外等候，___，门开了。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 俄而
Which sentence is most likely found in a classical novel? Multiple Choice

Choose the most literary option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他俄而消失在迷雾中。
Fix the register mismatch. Error Correction

这台电脑顷刻坏了，我得去修。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 这台电脑突然坏了，我得去修。
Translate: 'In an instant, the market trend changed.' Translation

In an instant, the market trend changed.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 顷刻间，市场趋势发生了变化。
Arrange to show a sequence of events. Sentence Reorder

开业 / 顷刻 / 未几 / 售罄 / 爆满

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 开业未几，顷刻售罄
Which marker fits a biography describing a short lifespan? Multiple Choice

他才华横溢，可惜___而逝。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 未几
Dramatic weather change. Fill in the Blank

雷声大作，___大雨如注。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 顷刻

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

No, they sound too formal.

Register and nuance.

No, they have different temporal nuances.

Not always.

Yes.

Rarely.

They are literary, not strictly archaic.

At the start of the clause.

Scaffolded Practice

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Mastery Progress

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Improving

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In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

en un instante

Chinese markers are single words.

French moderate

en un instant

Register is more strictly enforced in Chinese.

German moderate

augenblicklich

Chinese markers are more formal.

Japanese high

瞬く間に

Grammar structure differs.

Arabic moderate

في لحظة

Chinese is more concise.

Chinese high

顷刻

None.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Next
Formal Quantifiers: All, Every, Any (诸, 每, 凡)

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