突然

• 拼音: tū rán
• 汉字拆解: 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

含义

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.

例句

1. 天突然下起了大雨。
2. 他突然站起来走出了教室。
3. 突然停电了，大家都很紧张。

用法指南

语境: everyday, narrative

语气: neutral

正确说法

• 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.)

错误说法

• 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'.)

起源与历史

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

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal