Definition
悄然 is a literary adverb with two distinct senses: it can mean 'quietly, without attracting attention' (often in 悄然离去 'leave quietly'), or 'sorrowfully, with a sad expression' (as in 悄然落泪 'shed tears sorrowfully'). The word carries a refined, written-register tone and is rarely used in casual speech. Context determines which sense applies.
adv.
quietlysoftly (without making a sound or attracting notice)sorrowfullysadly (with a melancholy air)
Examples
- 悄然，。Tā qiǎo rán líkāi le fángjiān, méiyǒu jīngdòng rènhé rén.He quietly left the room without disturbing anyone.
- ，悄然。Tīngdào zhège xiāoxi, tā qiǎo rán luò lèi.Upon hearing the news, she wept sorrowfully.
- 悄然，。Yèsè qiǎo rán, zhǐyǒu yuǎnchù de dēnghuǒ shǎnshuò.The night was quiet and still, with only distant lights flickering.
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