Adverbs / 副词
突然 vs 忽然
sudden — one is also an adjective, the other is adverb-only
Comparison / 对比
| 突然 tūrán | 忽然 hūrán | |
|---|---|---|
| Part of speech | Adj. AND adv.: 很突然的变化 | Adverb only: ×很忽然 |
| Can use 很? | Yes: 来得很突然 | No: ×很忽然 |
| As attributive | Yes: 突然的消息 | No: ×忽然的消息 |
| As adverb | 他突然站起来 | 他忽然站起来 (same) |
Examples / 例句
突然: 这场雨来得很突然。
This rain came very suddenly. (突然 as adj. with 很)
忽然: 她忽然想起了一件重要的事。
She suddenly remembered something important. (忽然 as adverb)
Quick rule: When used as an adverb before a verb, they are interchangeable. The difference: 突然 can also be an adjective (很突然, 突然的变化), but 忽然 CANNOT. If you see 很___ or ___的+noun, it must be 突然.
Fill in the Blank / 填空练习
Type the correct word to complete each sentence. Press Enter or click Check.
他的决定来得很，我们都没准备。
走着走着，下起了大雨。
这是一个非常的变化。
Quick Quiz / 小测验
这件事发生得太了，大家都没准备。
With 得 + degree = adjective use → only 突然 works.
走着走着，下起了大雨。
Adverb before verb — both work, but 忽然 is more natural for narrative flow.
这是一个非常的决定。
Modifying a noun (___的+noun) = adjective → only 突然.