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AdverbsHSK 6

Expressing the unexpected with 竟然

竟然 (or its short form 竟) is an adverb placed after the subject to express that something happened unexpectedly or contrary to what one thought. It often conveys surprise or disbelief. Remember that it must follow the subject, not lead the sentence.

Structure

Subj. + 竟然 + Verb Phrase
typically used in spoken Chinese
Subj. + 竟 + Verb Phrase
shorter, used in both spoken and written Chinese

Examples

  • 他竟然没来。
    Tā jìngrán méi lái.
    He unexpectedly didn't come.
  • 我竟然忘了她的生日。
    Wǒ jìngrán wàngle tā de shēngrì.
    I actually forgot her birthday.
  • 这道题竟这么简单。
    Zhè dào tí jìng zhème jiǎndān.
    This problem turned out to be so simple.
  • 你竟然不知道这件事？
    Nǐ jìngrán bù zhīdào zhè jiàn shì?
    You actually don't know about this?
  • 他们竟把房子卖了。
    Tāmen jìng bǎ fángzi mài le.
    They unexpectedly sold the house.

Words that use this