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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to be startled' with 惊 (jīng)

    Actions & Events
    Description & Modification

    Structure

    Subject + 惊

    Explanation

    惊 (jīng) means 'to be startled,' 'to startle,' or 'to be alarmed' and describes a sudden feeling of surprise or fright. It is used in both classical and modern Chinese, often in literary descriptions.

    Examples

    • 突然一声巨响，把所有人都惊到了。

      tūrán yī shēng jùxiǎng, bǎ suǒyǒu rén dōu jīng dào le.

      Suddenly there was a loud bang that startled everyone.

    • 她被背后突然出现的人吓了一惊。

      tā bèi bèihòu tūrán chūxiàn de rén xiàle yī jīng.

      She was startled by someone who suddenly appeared behind her.

    • 别惊着孩子，说话小声一点。

      bié jīngzhe háizi, shuōhuà xiǎoshēng yīdiǎn.

      Don't startle the child; speak more quietly.

    Similar Grammar

    Expressing 'to be startled' with 惊 (jīng) | Chinese Grammar