A2 adverb Neutral #1,500 most common 1 min read

居然

jūrán /tɕy˧˥ ʐan˧˥/
Practice it

Use '居然' when something happens that completely defies your expectations.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Expresses surprise at an unexpected outcome.
  • Used when reality contradicts expectations.
  • Can convey disbelief, annoyance, or admiration.

Overview

  1. 1概述：在中文表达中，“居然”是一个非常常用的副词，用来强调“出乎意料”或“竟然”。当你发现某件事的结果与你的预想或常理大相径庭时，使用“居然”可以生动地传达你的惊讶、不满或赞叹情绪。2) 使用模式：它通常位于主语之后、动词或形容词之前。例如：“他居然没来。”或者“这道题居然这么难。”如果主语是代词，它也可以放在主语之前，如“居然他也没去。”3) 常见语境：它常用于口语和书面语中，用来表达对某种行为的不可思议。例如，当你看到一个平时不爱学习的人考了满分，你会说“他居然考了满分”。它也常带有一种质问或抱怨的语气，比如“你居然骗我！”。4) 近义词辨析：与“竟然”意思非常接近，几乎可以互换，但“竟然”在正式书面语中出现频率略高；“竟然”侧重于客观事实的出乎意料，而“居然”则带有一种更强烈的主观情绪色彩。

Examples

1

他居然没去参加考试。

everyday

To my surprise, he didn't go to the exam.

2

这个项目居然提前完成了。

formal

The project was actually completed ahead of schedule.

3

你居然敢骗我！

informal

How dare you lie to me!

4

这篇论文的结论居然是错误的。

academic

The conclusion of this thesis is actually incorrect.

Common Collocations

居然会 actually can / would
居然这么 actually so...
居然连...都 actually even... did

Common Phrases

居然是真的

It's actually true.

居然还没做完

Still not finished yet (surprisingly).

居然这么便宜

Surprisingly cheap.

Often Confused With

居然 vs 果然

‘果然’ means 'as expected' or 'as predicted'. It is the opposite of '居然', which means 'contrary to expectations'.

居然 vs 突然

‘突然’ means 'suddenly' or 'abruptly'. It describes the timing of an event, not the speaker's level of surprise.

Grammar Patterns

主语 + 居然 + 动词/形容词 居然 + 会/能 + 动词 居然 + 连 + 名词 + 都/也

How to Use It

Usage Notes

Use '居然' to highlight a contradiction between reality and your expectation. It is versatile but carries a personal tone. Avoid using it in formal, neutral documentation where objectivity is required.

Common Mistakes

Learners often use '居然' when they meant '果然' (as expected). Remember: 居然 = unexpected; 果然 = expected. Also, ensure it is placed before the verb, not at the end of the sentence.

Tips

💡

Focus on the speaker's expectation

Always remember that '居然' is about your personal expectation. If you expected it to happen, don't use it.

⚠️

Avoid overusing in formal reports

Since '居然' carries strong personal emotion, it is better to avoid it in strictly objective, formal reports.

🌍

Cultural nuance of disbelief

In Chinese culture, using '居然' with a person can sound like a confrontation. Be mindful of the tone when addressing others.

Word Origin

The word is composed of '居' (to stay/be) and '然' (a suffix meaning 'in such a way'). Historically, it evolved to emphasize the state of being surprised by a turn of events.

Cultural Context

In Chinese social interaction, using '居然' can imply a challenge or a strong emotional reaction. It is frequently used in dramas to highlight dramatic irony or conflict.

Memory Tip

Think of '居然' as 'Ju-ran' (Just-ran-into-a-surprise). It's the word you use when you 'run into' a reality that shocks you.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

两者意思基本相同，都可以互换。但在语感上，“居然”的主观色彩稍强，常用于口语，而“竟然”在书面语中显得稍微正式一点。

可以，放在句首时起到强调作用。例如：“居然，他真的做到了！”这种用法在感叹句中很常见。

可以。虽然它常用于负面或意外的情况，但也可以用来表示对惊喜的赞叹，比如“你居然给我准备了生日礼物！”

不可以，“居然”是副词，必须修饰动词或形容词。它不能直接修饰名词。

Test Yourself

fill blank

我没想到他___真的把任务完成了。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 居然

表示出乎意料，符合语境。

Score: /1

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