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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "suddenly" with 顿时 (dùnshí)

    Emphasis
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    Subject + 顿时 + Verb Phrase

    Explanation

    The adverb 顿时 (dùnshí) means "immediately" or "at once" and describes a sudden change in state or feeling that happens in an instant. It is more literary than 突然 and emphasizes the abruptness of an emotional or physical shift. It is commonly used in narrative writing to create dramatic effect.

    Examples

    • 听到这个消息，她顿时愣住了。

      Tīng dào zhège xiāoxi, tā dùnshí lèng zhù le.

      Upon hearing the news, she was instantly stunned.

    • 灯一关，房间里顿时安静下来。

      Dēng yī guān, fángjiān lǐ dùnshí ānjìng xiàlái.

      As soon as the light was turned off, the room instantly became quiet.

    • 看到老朋友出现在门口，他顿时热泪盈眶。

      Kàn dào lǎo péngyou chūxiàn zài ménkǒu, tā dùnshí rèlèi yíngkuàng.

      Seeing his old friend appear at the door, his eyes instantly welled up with tears.

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    Expressing "suddenly" with 顿时 (dùnshí) | Chinese Grammar