顿时 (dùn shí) — immediately, suddenly (used in narrative to describe an instant change of state following a specific event)
Definition
Written/narrative adverb for an instant change right after an event — combines 'suddenly' (like 忽然) with 'immediately' (like 立即), but is more literary than either. Use it in storytelling, not speech.
adverb
immediatelysuddenly (used in narrative to describe an instant change of state following a specific event)
Examples
- ，顿时。Tīng le tā de huà, wǒ dùn shí míng bai le zhēn xiàng.After hearing his words, I immediately understood the truth.
- ，顿时。Kàn dào kǎo shì chéng jì, tā dùn shí kū le chū lái.Upon seeing the exam results, she burst into tears.
- ，顿时。Yí zhèn fēng chuī lái, tā dùn shí gǎn dào yí zhèn hán yì.A gust of wind blew, and he suddenly felt a chill.
Browse more HSK 6 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.