骤然

• Pinyin: zhòu rán
• Hanzi breakdown: 骤 = 马 + 聚 (sudden, rapid); 然 = 火 + 犬 (thus, manner suffix)

Meaning

Suddenly; abruptly; all of a sudden. Describes something happening unexpectedly and rapidly.

Literary and formal adverb emphasizing the sudden, unexpected nature of an event. More dramatic than 突然, often used for significant changes, especially in weather, emotions, or situations. Common in written Chinese and formal speech.

Examples

1. 天空骤然变暗，暴风雨即将来临。 The sky suddenly grew dark, and a storm was about to hit.
2. 气温骤然下降了十度。 The temperature suddenly dropped by ten degrees.
3. 听到这个消息，他的脸色骤然变了。 When he heard the news, his face changed all of a sudden.

Usage Guide

Context: literary, news, formal writing

Tone: dramatic

Do Say

• 股市骤然暴跌引发投资者恐慌。(The sudden stock market crash triggered investor panic.)
• 她骤然意识到事态的严重性。(She suddenly realized the seriousness of the situation.)

Don't Say

• 我骤然饿了 — use 突然 for casual, everyday situations

Origin & History

骤 (sudden, rapid) + 然 (adverbial suffix, manner)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal