Use '突然' to describe something that happens abruptly and catches you by surprise.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Indicates an event happening unexpectedly and quickly.
- Functions as an adverb before verbs or adjectives.
- Highlights a sudden change or interruption.
1) 概述：“突然”是汉语中最常用的表示“出乎意料”的词汇之一，属于A1级别的基础词汇。它强调事件发生的瞬时性和不可预测性，常带有一种惊讶的语气。
2) 用法模式：“突然”主要作状语，放在主语后、动词或形容词前。例如：他突然走了。也可以放在句首，起到强调作用，例如：突然，外面下起了大雨。
3) 常见语境：常用于描述自然现象（如天气变化）、人的行为（如突然出现、突然停止）或突发事件。在口语和书面语中均有广泛应用。
4) 近义词辨析：与“忽然”基本通用，但“突然”更强调“突发性”和“出乎意料”，程度通常比“忽然”更强，且“突然”可以作形容词（如：发生得很突然），而“忽然”只能作副词。
Examples
天气突然变冷了。
everydayThe weather suddenly turned cold.
会议突然取消了。
formalThe meeting was suddenly cancelled.
他突然出现在我面前。
informalHe appeared suddenly in front of me.
这种突然的变故让人难以接受。
academicSuch a sudden change is hard to accept.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
突然之间
all of a sudden
太突然了
It was so sudden.
突然袭击
surprise attack
Often Confused With
Both mean 'suddenly', but '忽然' cannot be used as an adjective, while '突然' can.
Means 'by chance' or 'accidental', focusing on lack of planning rather than the speed of the event.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '突然' for both formal and informal contexts. It is versatile and functions as both an adverb and an adjective. Ensure you do not confuse it with '偶然' (accidental).
Common Mistakes
Beginners often use '突然' where '偶然' is more appropriate. Also, avoid using '突然' to describe slow, gradual processes. Remember that as an adjective, it requires '的' before a noun.
Tips
Placement flexibility
While usually placed before the verb, placing it at the very beginning of the sentence adds dramatic effect.
Distinguish between adverb and adjective
Remember that '突然' can act as an adjective (e.g., 'a sudden change'), whereas '忽然' is strictly an adverb.
Natural expression
Native speakers often use '突然间' for emphasis, which sounds slightly more descriptive and rhythmic in storytelling.
Word Origin
The character '突' originally depicted a dog rushing out of a hole. This graphic representation of speed and surprise evolved into the modern meaning of 'sudden'.
Cultural Context
In Chinese storytelling, '突然' is a key transition word used to build suspense. It is essential for shifting the narrative pace instantly.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'sudden' pop balloon. The sound is sharp and unexpected, just like using '突然'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions两者意思相近，但在语法上，“突然”可以作形容词（如：这件事太突然了），而“忽然”只能作副词，不能作形容词。
可以。放在句首时通常后面加逗号，起到强调事件发生之迅速的作用。
当“突然”作形容词修饰名词时，后面要加“的”，例如“突然的变故”。如果是副词用法，则不需要。
可以。当把“突然”当作形容词使用时，可以受程度副词“很”、“非常”修饰。
Test Yourself
他话说到一半，___停了下来。
“突然”表示动作发生得迅速且出乎意料，符合语境。
Score: /1
Summary
Use '突然' to describe something that happens abruptly and catches you by surprise.
- Indicates an event happening unexpectedly and quickly.
- Functions as an adverb before verbs or adjectives.
- Highlights a sudden change or interruption.
Placement flexibility
While usually placed before the verb, placing it at the very beginning of the sentence adds dramatic effect.
Distinguish between adverb and adjective
Remember that '突然' can act as an adjective (e.g., 'a sudden change'), whereas '忽然' is strictly an adverb.
Natural expression
Native speakers often use '突然间' for emphasis, which sounds slightly more descriptive and rhythmic in storytelling.
Examples
4 of 4天气突然变冷了。
The weather suddenly turned cold.
会议突然取消了。
The meeting was suddenly cancelled.
他突然出现在我面前。
He appeared suddenly in front of me.
这种突然的变故让人难以接受。
Such a sudden change is hard to accept.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
