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    Chinese Grammar

    Using 吓 (xià) to express scaring or frightening

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    Subject + 吓 + 了 + Complement

    Explanation

    The verb 吓 means "to scare" or "to frighten" and is used to describe startling or intimidating someone. It frequently appears in the fixed expression 吓了一跳, meaning "to be startled" or "to get a fright." The subject of 吓 can be a person or thing that causes the scare.

    Examples

    • 那只猫突然跳出来，吓了我一跳。

      Nà zhī māo tūrán tiào chūlái, xià le wǒ yī tiào.

      That cat suddenly jumped out and startled me.

    • 别躲在门后面吓人。

      Bié duǒ zài mén hòumiàn xià rén.

      Don't hide behind the door and scare people.

    • 这部恐怖电影真的吓到我了。

      Zhè bù kǒngbù diànyǐng zhēn de xià dào wǒ le.

      This horror movie really scared me.

    Using 吓 (xià) to express scaring or frightening | Chinese Grammar