顿时

dùn shí

HSK 2.0 Level 6 HSK 3.0 Level 6 Adverb Rare

Definitions

2 items

sudden; abrupt; unexpected

突然 is an adjective/adverb meaning 'sudden(ly)', often used to describe unexpected events.

in an instant

瞬间 means 'in an instant', often used as a noun or adverb to indicate a very brief moment.

2 items

forthwith

Both mean 'immediately', but 顿时 is more literary and describes a sudden change in situation or emotion.

at once

马上 is more colloquial and commonly used in spoken Chinese, while 顿时 is more formal.

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.

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

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.

Washington Times (newspaper)

o'clock

to stop