当然

• 拼音: dāng rán
• 汉字拆解: 当 = simplified from 當, originally depicting a field; 然 = 月 (meat) + 犬 (dog) + 火 (fire), originally meaning to burn

含义

Of course; certainly; naturally. Expresses that something is obvious, expected, or goes without saying.

One of the most common affirmative expressions in Chinese. Used both as a standalone response and within sentences to emphasize that something is self-evident. Can also be used to introduce a concession before 但是.

例句

1. 你会来参加我的生日会吗？当然会！
2. 他是中国人，当然会说中文。
3. 当然，学中文不容易，但是很有意思。

用法指南

语境: everyday, conversation

语气: affirmative

正确说法

• 你想不想一起去？当然想！(Do you want to go together? Of course!)
• 当然可以，没问题。(Of course, no problem.)

错误说法

• 当然不一定。(Don't pair 当然 with 不一定 — 当然 expresses certainty while 不一定 expresses doubt. Say 也不一定 or 不一定 alone)

起源与历史

当 (should, ought to) + 然 (so, thus). Together they mean 'as it should be' or 'naturally so.'

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal