dat6 jin4 gaan1突然間突然间
Jyutpingdat6 jin4 gaan1
Yaledaht yìhn gāan
Definition
Suddenly; without warning, happening very quickly and unexpectedly.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
This adverb is the standard way to express unexpected events in spoken Cantonese. It carries a stronger sense of abruptness compared to the shorter 突然. Using the full phrase 突然間 makes the sentence sound more natural and conversational in daily interactions.
Examples
He suddenly disappeared, I don't know where he went.
Why did you suddenly ask about these things?
Related words
Common phrases
suddenly remember
happen suddenly
Common mistake
Avoid using 突然間 as an adjective to modify a noun directly. While 突然 can sometimes function as an adjective, 突然間 is strictly an adverb and should only be used to describe the manner in which an action occurs.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
