Processing keyword: 竟然 (jìngrán) - Unexpectedly, to one's surprise

Mandarin Grammar Point: 竟然 (jìngrán) - Unexpectedly, to one's surprise

Grammar Point: 竟然 (jìngrán) - Unexpectedly, to one's surprise

Introduction

The word 竟然 (jìngrán) serves as an adverb in Mandarin, expressing surprise or unexpectedness regarding a situation or fact. It is commonly used to convey that what happened was not anticipated or is contrary to what was believed or expected.

Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: 竟然 (jìngrán) translates to "unexpectedly" or "surprisingly". It highlights an element of disbelief or astonishment.
• Structure: 竟然 is typically used before a verb or an adjective to emphasize the unexpected outcome.
• Formation Diagram:

  Subject + 竟然 + Verb/Adjective + (Object/Complement)
  

Visual Aids

Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• 果然 (guǒrán): Means "as expected" or "indeed," emphasizing that something occurred just as one thought it would.
• 居然 (jūrán): Similar to 竟然 but can carry a tone of disbelief that something happened that one did not think possible.

  Word	Meaning	Usage Example
  竟然	Unexpectedly	你竟然懂这个。
  果然	As expected	他果然准时到了。
  居然	Surprisingly	她居然会弹钢琴。

Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • 昨天的会议上，他竟然提出了如此大胆的建议。
   • Zuótiān de huìyì shàng, tā jìngrán tíchūle rúcǐ dǎndàn de jiànyì.
   • At yesterday's meeting, he surprisingly proposed such a bold suggestion.
2. Informal:
   • 你竟然忘了我的生日！
   • Nǐ jìngrán wàngle wǒ de shēngrì!
   • You surprisingly forgot my birthday!
3. Written:
   • 这部电影竟然获得了国际奖项。
   • Zhè bù diànyǐng jìngrán huòde le guójì jiǎngxiàng.
   • This film unexpectedly won an international award.
4. Spoken:
   • 他居然能唱得这么好，真是让我惊讶的。
   • Tā jìngrán néng chàng de zhème hǎo, zhēn shì ràng wǒ jīngyà de.
   • He surprisingly sings so well; it really amazes me.

Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Chinese culture, expressing surprise using 竟然 may reflect the social norm of showing humility and acknowledgment of unexpected achievements or situations. It may demonstrate respect for someone's capabilities that were underestimated.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 竟然如此 (jìngrán rúcǐ) - "Unexpectedly so"
• 竟然得到了 (jìngrán dédàole) - "Unexpectedly received"

Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using with Future Events: Avoid using 竟然 for future predictions, as it primarily indicates surprise about past events or actions.
2. Overuse in Casual Speech: While expressive, be cautious not to overuse it to maintain its impact.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember 竟然 as "Jumping in Surprise" because it conveys an element of being unexpectedly caught off-guard.

Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 竟然 (jìngrán) is an adverb indicating unexpectedness.
• Its structure is simple: Subject + 竟然 + Verb/Adjective.
• It can emphasize disbelief about past events, distinguishing it from words like 果然 and 居然.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does 竟然 mean?
2. Formulate a sentence using 竟然.
3. Compare 竟然 with 果然 in terms of meaning and usage.