顿时

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Character Breakdown

Usage of 顿时 (dùnshí)

顿时 is an adverb meaning "immediately" or "at once," often used to describe a sudden change or reaction that happens right after an event occurs. It emphasizes the immediacy and abruptness of the response.

Common Contexts

It frequently appears in narrative or descriptive contexts, especially when highlighting a sudden emotional or physical reaction, such as surprise, shock, or realization.

Collocations and Patterns

Nuance and Register

顿时 is more formal and literary than some other words for "immediately" like 马上 or 立刻. It often appears in written narratives or formal speech rather than casual conversation.

Common Confusion

Don't confuse 顿时 with 马上 or 立刻, which can be used more flexibly in everyday speech. 顿时 stresses the suddenness and immediacy of a reaction, often emotional or perceptual, rather than just the timing.

Use 顿时 when you want to highlight a sudden and immediate change or realization that happens right after an event.

Example Sentences

Upon hearing this news, he was immediately stunned.

When the fire broke out, it immediately caused panic among people.

He immediately understood the seriousness of the matter.