deon6 jin4頓然顿然
Jyutpingdeon6 jin4
Yaledeuhn yìhn
Definition
Suddenly; all of a sudden; unexpectedly.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
Carries a formal or literary tone that is rarely heard in casual daily speech. It is more commonly encountered in written narratives or formal reports to describe a shift in thought or a sudden realization. When speaking, native speakers almost always prefer 突然 or 忽然 instead.
Examples
He suddenly remembered there was still something left undone.
Why did you suddenly ask about this matter?
Related words
Common phrases
suddenly realize the truth
Common mistake
Avoid using this in casual conversation with friends, as it sounds overly dramatic or like you are reading from a book. Stick to 突然 for everyday situations to sound natural.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
