Usage of 顿时 (dùnshí)
顿时 is an adverb meaning "immediately" or "at once," often used to describe a sudden change or reaction that happens right after an event occurs. It emphasizes the immediacy and abruptness of the response.
Common Contexts
It frequently appears in narrative or descriptive contexts, especially when highlighting a sudden emotional or physical reaction, such as surprise, shock, or realization.
Collocations and Patterns
- 顿时 + verb: to indicate an immediate action or reaction (e.g., 顿时愣住, 顿时明白)
- 顿时 + 引起 + noun: to express that something immediately causes a reaction (e.g., 顿时引起恐慌)
Nuance and Register
顿时 is more formal and literary than some other words for "immediately" like 马上 or 立刻. It often appears in written narratives or formal speech rather than casual conversation.
Common Confusion
Don't confuse 顿时 with 马上 or 立刻, which can be used more flexibly in everyday speech. 顿时 stresses the suddenness and immediacy of a reaction, often emotional or perceptual, rather than just the timing.
Use 顿时 when you want to highlight a sudden and immediate change or realization that happens right after an event.