乍 (zhà) - suddenly & abruptly
乍 · zhà
suddenly;
abruptly;
for the first time;
temporarily;
initial;
to spread out;
to open up
suddenlyabruptlyfor the first time
Usage highlights
suddenlyat first glancenewly arrivedsudden changeinitial impressiontemporary residence
Usage & contexts
Examples
- The weather suddenly changed (乍暖还寒).
- He looked unfamiliar at first glance (乍一看).
- This is my first time visiting Beijing (初来乍到).
- The new policy was implemented abruptly (新政策乍然实施).
Collocations
- suddenly(乍然)
- at first glance(乍一看)
- newly arrived(乍到)
- sudden change(乍变)
- initial impression(乍见)
- temporary residence(乍居)
Idioms
- First impressions can be deceptive(乍见之欢)
- Suddenly warm then cold again(乍暖还寒)
- Newly arrived and unfamiliar(初来乍到)
Cultural background
FAQ- Originally depicted a tool for spreading or opening things, later extended to mean suddenness and initial actions.
- In classical Chinese, often used to describe abrupt changes or first-time experiences.
- Commonly appears in idioms describing seasonal transitions and new experiences.