顿时

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 听到这个消息,他顿时愣住了。▶ —
   On hearing the news, he was instantly stunned.
2. 灯一开,屋里顿时亮了。▶ —
   The moment the light went on, the room brightened at once.

Collocations

Mnemonic

顿 dùn "suddenly, to pause" + 时 shí "time": that sudden moment, i.e. instantly, at once, in an instant. Korean renders it as "instantly, at once". An adverb for an immediate switch to another state right after something happens (顿时明白 to understand at once). It is used only of immediate change in events that have already happened, not for the future or commands. 顿 means "suddenly, to pause" (停顿); 时 means "time".

Related

Quick check

1. When can 顿时 be used?

   • immediate change in a past event
   • a future plan
   • a command or request
   • habitual repetition