Definition
顿时 means 'immediately, suddenly' but is specific to written narrative: it describes an instant change of state that directly follows a specific event or realization. It contrasts with 忽然 (general 'suddenly', no trigger) and 立即 (formal 'immediately', often for actions/commands).
adverb
immediatelysuddenly (used in narrative to describe an instant change of state following a specific event)
Examples
- ，顿时。Tīng le tā de huà, wǒ dùn shí míngbai le zhēnxiàng.After hearing his words, I immediately understood the truth.
- ，顿时。Kàn dào kǎoshì chéngjì, tā dùn shí kū le chūlái.Upon seeing the exam results, she burst into tears.
- ，顿时。Yí zhèn fēng chuī lái, tā dùn shí gǎndào yí zhèn hányì.A gust of wind blew, and he suddenly felt a chill.
Browse more HSK 6 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.