竟

• Pinyin: jìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 竟 = 音 (sound) + 儿 (person kneeling) — a sound reaching its conclusion; original meaning: to end, to complete

Meaning

Actually; unexpectedly; to one's surprise; in the end.

An adverb expressing surprise, disbelief, or the unexpected nature of an outcome. Placed directly before the verb or adjective it modifies. Stronger than 居然 in some contexts, often conveying indignation or astonishment. Common in literary, formal, and conversational Chinese alike.

Examples

1. 这个看似简单的问题，他竟答不上来，让所有人都大吃一惊。 He actually couldn't answer this seemingly simple question, which took everyone completely by surprise.
2. 两人多年未见，竟在异国他乡的街头偶然相遇。 The two hadn't seen each other for years and unexpectedly ran into each other on a street in a foreign country.
3. 他竟敢当着所有人的面否认自己说过的话，真是令人难以置信。 He actually dared to deny what he had said in front of everyone — it was truly unbelievable.

Usage Guide

Context: narrative, spoken, written

Tone: surprised

Do Say

• 他竟然一句话都没说就走了。(He actually left without saying a single word.)
• 这件事竟演变成了一场外交风波。(This matter unexpectedly escalated into a diplomatic storm.)

Don't Say

• 我竟吃了饭。(竟 implies surprise — don't use it for mundane, expected actions like eating a meal)

Origin & History

Originally a classical character meaning 'to complete, to finish' (竟事 = to finish business). Over time, the sense shifted to 'in the end, after all,' and further into surprise at an unexpected conclusion.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal