连忙

lián máng

promptly

HSK 5

Character Breakdown

Usage of 连忙

The adverb 连忙 means 'promptly' or 'in a hurry' and is used to describe someone quickly taking action, often in response to an unexpected event or urgent situation. It conveys a sense of immediacy and sometimes a bit of anxiety or eagerness.

Common Contexts

连忙 is frequently used in spoken and written Chinese to show that someone reacts without delay, such as rushing to help, correcting a mistake, or explaining themselves.

Typical Collocations

  • 连忙过去 (promptly rush over): used when someone quickly moves to a place to assist or respond.
  • 连忙改正 (promptly correct): used when someone quickly fixes an error.
  • 连忙解释 (promptly explain): used when someone quickly offers an explanation to clarify a situation.

Nuances

连忙 often implies a positive or responsible reaction to a situation, showing attentiveness and promptness. It is more formal than just saying '赶快' or '马上' and often appears in narrative or descriptive contexts.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse 连忙 with (continuous) or 忙碌 (busy). 连忙 specifically emphasizes the quickness of the action taken, not the duration or the state of being busy.

Example Sentences

他听到消息后连忙赶过去帮忙。

Tā tīngdào xiāoxi hòu liánmáng gǎn guòqù bāngmáng.

He promptly rushed over to help after hearing the news.

发现错误后,她连忙改正了。

Fāxiàn cuòwù hòu, tā liánmáng gǎizhèng le.

After discovering the mistake, she promptly corrected it.

他连忙解释自己的行为,希望大家能理解。

Tā liánmáng jiěshì zìjǐ de xíngwéi, xīwàng dàjiā néng lǐjiě.

He promptly explained his actions, hoping everyone would understand.