顿时

dùn shí

HSK 2.0 Level 6 HSK 3.0 Level 6 Adverb Rare

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Definitions

1. immediately
2. suddenly

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Word relationships

Related words

2 items

• 突然 tū rán 突然 tū rán sudden; abrupt; unexpected 突然 is an adjective/adverb meaning 'sudden(ly)', often used to describe unexpected events.: sudden; abrupt; unexpected
• 瞬间 shùn jiān 瞬间 shùn jiān in an instant 瞬间 means 'in an instant', often used as a noun or adverb to indicate a very brief moment.: in an instant

Synonyms

2 items

• 立刻 lì kè 立刻 lì kè forthwith Both mean 'immediately', but 顿时 is more literary and describes a sudden change in situation or emotion.: forthwith
• 马上 mǎ shàng 马上 mǎ shàng at once 马上 is more colloquial and commonly used in spoken Chinese, while 顿时 is more formal.: at once

Usage notes

Collocations

Commonly used in phrases like 顿时鸦雀无声 (suddenly silent) or 顿时恍然大悟 (suddenly realize). Avoid using it with simple physical actions.

Formality

顿时 is a formal/literary adverb used mainly in written Chinese to indicate a sudden change in atmosphere or emotion.

Example Sentences

1 shown

听到这个消息，她 顿时 哭了起来。

Upon hearing the news, she immediately burst into tears.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Words Containing 顿时

• 华盛顿时报 华盛顿时报 huá shèng dùn shí bào: Washington Times (newspaper)

Child Words of 顿时

• 时 时 shí: o'clock
• 顿 顿 dùn: to stop