居然

• Pinyin: jū rán
• Hanzi breakdown: 居 = 尸 (body) + 古 (ancient); 然 = 肉 (meat) + 犬 (dog) + 灬 (fire), originally meaning 'to burn'

Meaning

Unexpectedly; to one's surprise; actually. Expresses surprise that something happened.

An adverb used to emphasize that something is contrary to expectations or surprising. Often conveys disbelief, amazement, or indignation depending on context. Typically placed before the verb or adjective it modifies.

Examples

1. 他居然不知道今天是他妻子的生日。 He actually didn't know today was his wife's birthday.
2. 这么难的问题，他居然五分钟就解决了。 Such a difficult problem, and he unexpectedly solved it in five minutes.
3. 你居然敢对老板说那种话，太勇敢了。 You actually dared to say that to the boss — so brave.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, spoken, written

Tone: surprised

Do Say

• 她居然会说五种语言！(She can actually speak five languages!)
• 票居然卖完了，我们来晚了。(The tickets are unexpectedly sold out; we came too late.)

Don't Say

• 他居然来了，我很期待。(Don't use 居然 for expected positive outcomes — it implies unexpected surprise)

Origin & History

居 (jū, reside/unexpectedly) + 然 (rán, so/thus). Together they form an adverb expressing unexpectedness.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal