(é) — (bound form, literary) presently; suddenly

Definition

Classical/literary bound form meaning 'suddenly; in a moment'. Never stands alone — it always combines with 而 (俄而) or 顷 (俄顷) as a set phrase. Far more formal than the colloquial 突然.

bound form
(bound form, literary) presentlysuddenly

Examples

  • Tā é ér zhàn le qǐ lái.
    He stood up suddenly.
  • é Qǐng zhī jiān, yǔ jiù tíng le.
    In a moment, the rain stopped.
  • Wǒ men é ér tīng dào yī shēng jù xiǎng.
    We suddenly heard a loud noise.
Appears in

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