Use '顿时' to describe a sudden, reactive shift in atmosphere, emotion, or action.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Indicates an immediate change in state or emotion.
- Often used to describe reactions to external stimuli.
- Commonly found in narrative and descriptive writing.
常见语境：多用于描述情感的剧烈波动（如：顿时感到心酸）、感官的突发感知（如：顿时觉得眼前一亮）或场景气氛的迅速转换（如：广场上顿时热闹起来）。
- 1近义词辨析：与“突然”相比，“顿时”更强调“由于某种原因”而产生的“即刻效应”，侧重于结果的瞬间呈现；而“突然”侧重于发生得意外、没预料到。与“立刻”相比，“顿时”带有更多感官和情绪色彩，而“立刻”更偏向于时间的紧迫性。
Examples
听到警报声，人群顿时乱作一团。
everydayUpon hearing the alarm, the crowd immediately fell into chaos.
会议室里顿时安静了下来。
formalThe meeting room suddenly became quiet.
看到那张老照片，我的思绪顿时回到了童年。
informalSeeing that old photo, my thoughts immediately returned to my childhood.
政策发布后，市场顿时产生了剧烈波动。
academicAfter the policy was released, the market immediately experienced severe fluctuations.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
顿时之间
In a brief moment
顿时感到
Suddenly feel
顿时变了
Changed instantly
Often Confused With
Suddenly. It focuses on the unexpected nature of an event, whereas 顿时 focuses on the immediate reaction or result.
Immediately. It emphasizes the speed of an action, often implying human agency, while 顿时 is more about spontaneous change.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
顿时 is generally used in formal or narrative contexts. It requires a clear cause for the sudden change. It is not suitable for future-oriented commands.
Common Mistakes
Students often use it with future tense sentences. Another error is using it to describe deliberate actions rather than spontaneous reactions. It should not be used as an adjective.
Tips
Focus on the trigger
Always look for the 'why' before using 顿时. It follows a cause-and-effect relationship.
Avoid future tense usage
Do not use 顿时 for future plans. It is strictly for describing events that have already happened or are happening.
Literary flavor
This word is a staple in Chinese literature to build dramatic tension. It adds a sense of narrative impact.
Word Origin
The term combines '顿' (pause/moment) and '时' (time), reflecting a specific moment in time where a transition occurs.
Cultural Context
This word is frequently used in Chinese storytelling to heighten the drama. It captures the essence of 'the moment everything changed.'
Memory Tip
Think of '顿时' as a 'flash' that changes a situation. Like a light bulb turning on, the state changes in an instant.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“立刻”强调动作执行的速度快，主观意愿较强；“顿时”强调由于外界刺激导致的状态瞬间改变，常用于描写客观现象或心理感受。
不可以，“顿时”通常用于描述过去或现在发生的突发性变化，不用于表达计划或将来要做的动作。
不可以，“顿时”是副词，只能修饰动词或形容词，不能修饰名词。
可以，但在非常随意的口语中，人们有时更倾向于使用“突然”或“一下子”。
Test Yourself
听到这个好消息，大家___欢呼起来。
因为听到好消息是刺激因素，导致欢呼这一动作瞬间发生。
下列哪句使用“顿时”是正确的？
只有该句描述了由环境变化引起的瞬间状态改变。
请用“顿时”描述一种心情。
该句完整表达了因果关系和瞬间的情绪变化。
Score: /3
Summary
Use '顿时' to describe a sudden, reactive shift in atmosphere, emotion, or action.
- Indicates an immediate change in state or emotion.
- Often used to describe reactions to external stimuli.
- Commonly found in narrative and descriptive writing.
Focus on the trigger
Always look for the 'why' before using 顿时. It follows a cause-and-effect relationship.
Avoid future tense usage
Do not use 顿时 for future plans. It is strictly for describing events that have already happened or are happening.
Literary flavor
This word is a staple in Chinese literature to build dramatic tension. It adds a sense of narrative impact.
Examples
4 of 4听到警报声，人群顿时乱作一团。
Upon hearing the alarm, the crowd immediately fell into chaos.
会议室里顿时安静了下来。
The meeting room suddenly became quiet.
看到那张老照片，我的思绪顿时回到了童年。
Seeing that old photo, my thoughts immediately returned to my childhood.
政策发布后，市场顿时产生了剧烈波动。
After the policy was released, the market immediately experienced severe fluctuations.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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