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March 24, 2026
居然jūrán(ju1ran2)
居然 (jūrán) is used to express surprise or disbelief at an unexpected situation or outcome. It often implies that something is beyond what was anticipated, and it is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to convey astonishment.
Strokes20Frequency#1043DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing surprise can reflect a sense of humility or modesty, as it shows that one did not expect such outcomes. The use of 居然 can often indicate a deeper emotional response, reflecting societal values around humility and surprise.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person sitting in a居 (jū) house, unexpectedly finding a giant ran (ran) like a rabbit inside. The surprise of finding such an unusual creature in their home highlights the meaning of 居然.
Meanings of 居然
jūrán(ju1ran2)
1unexpectedly
2to one's surprise
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About 居然
居然Simplified
20Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#1043Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 居然
Podcast: 居然
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AI Study Notes for 居然
Quick Contrast
竟然 (jìngrán) — use 居然 when expressing surprise at an unexpected outcome, while 竟然 emphasizes the surprising nature of the situation more strongly.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 居然 with words like 真 (zhēn) or 竟然 (jìngrán), which also express surprise but with different nuances. 居然 is more informal and is often used in casual conversations. Be mindful of using the correct tone; the first syllable is pronounced with a high-level tone while the second is pronounced with a rising tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 居然 connects well with other expressions of surprise or unexpectedness like 竟然 (jìngrán). Focus on practicing sentences that illustrate its use in context, enhancing your comprehension of how it fits into conversations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 居然 by placing it in contexts where more formal expressions of surprise are required. For example, saying '居然在会议上' (jūrán zài huìyì shàng) instead of using a more formal expression would be inappropriate. Ensure you're using it in informal contexts.
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Pronunciation of 居然
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居然 (jūrán) is used to express surprise or disbelief at an unexpected situation or outcome. It often implies that something is beyond what was anticipated, and it is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to convey astonishment.
When to use 居然
Learners often confuse 居然 with words like 真 (zhēn) or 竟然 (jìngrán), which also express surprise but with different nuances. 居然 is more informal and is often used in casual conversations. Be mindful of using the correct tone; the first syllable is pronounced with a high-level tone while the second is pronounced with a rising tone.
居然 or something close to it
竟然 (jìngrán) — use 居然 when expressing surprise at an unexpected outcome, while 竟然 emphasizes the surprising nature of the situation more strongly.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 居然 by placing it in contexts where more formal expressions of surprise are required. For example, saying '居然在会议上' (jūrán zài huìyì shàng) instead of using a more formal expression would be inappropriate. Ensure you're using it in informal contexts.
Write 居然
居
然
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Grammar Patterns of 居然
居然 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
