Expressing the unexpected with "jingran"

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When you want to express something is unexpected, you can use the adverb 竟然.It has the same meaning as 居然, however, 居然 is more intense.

Structure

Like many other adverbs, 竟然 is placed after the subject. This grammar structure is usually used in spoken Chinese.

  • Subject + 竟然 + ……

You can also drop out the 然 and use just 竟. This can be used in spoken or written Chinese.

  • Subject + 竟 + ……

Examples

  • 我们 准备 出去 的 时候,他 竟然 说 他 不 去。
  • 我 没 有 说 什么 笑话,不 知道 为什么 大家 都 竟然 笑起来。
  • 小李 那么 用工,不知道 为什么 他 竟然 考不及格。
  • 总统 表示 他 会 否决 新 推出 的 经济 改革 法案。

Sources and further reading

Books