突然

• Pinyin: tū rán
• Hanzi breakdown: 突 = 穴 (cave) + 犬 (dog) — a dog rushing out unexpectedly; 然 = 月 (flesh) + 犬 (dog) + 灬 (fire), originally meaning 'to burn', now a state suffix

Meaning

Sudden; suddenly. Describes something that happens unexpectedly and without warning.

One of the most common Chinese adverbs for expressing surprise or unexpectedness. Can function as both an adverb (suddenly) and an adjective (sudden). Often placed before the verb in a sentence.

Examples

1. 天突然下起了大雨。 It suddenly started raining heavily.
2. 他突然站起来走出了教室。 He suddenly stood up and walked out of the classroom.
3. 突然停电了，大家都很紧张。 The power suddenly went out and everyone was nervous.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, narrative

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他突然打电话给我。(He suddenly called me.)
• 突然下雨了，我们没带伞。(It suddenly started raining and we didn't bring umbrellas.)

Don't Say

• 我突然每天都运动。(Don't use 突然 for habitual actions — it describes a single unexpected event, not a routine change. Use 开始 for 'started to'.)

Origin & History

突 means 'to rush out' or 'abrupt' and 然 is a suffix indicating a state or manner. Together they describe an abrupt, unexpected occurrence.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal