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    Chinese Grammar

    Using 跳 (tiào) as a measure of fright in 吓了一跳

    Actions & Events
    Manner & Method

    Structure

    吓 + 了 + 一 + 跳

    Explanation

    While 跳 typically means "to jump," it also appears as a noun in the fixed expression 吓了一跳 (xià le yī tiào), meaning "to get a fright" or "to be startled." In this usage, 一跳 functions as a complement describing the involuntary jolt of surprise. This is one of the most common idiomatic uses of 跳 for beginners.

    Examples

    • 我打开门的时候吓了一跳，没想到你在。

      Wǒ dǎkāi mén de shíhou xià le yī tiào, méi xiǎngdào nǐ zài.

      I got a fright when I opened the door — I didn't expect you to be there.

    • 半夜听到奇怪的声音，我吓了一跳。

      Bànyè tīng dào qíguài de shēngyīn, wǒ xià le yī tiào.

      I got a fright hearing a strange sound in the middle of the night.

    • 她看到成绩的时候吓了一跳。

      Tā kàn dào chéngjì de shíhou xià le yī tiào.

      She got a fright when she saw her grades.

    Using 跳 (tiào) as a measure of fright in 吓了一跳 | Chinese Grammar