溘 (kè) - Suddenly & abruptly

溘Tone 4

kè ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

溘 · kè

Suddenly;

abruptly;

unexpectedly;

often used in literary contexts to describe something happening without warning.

Suddenlyabruptlyunexpectedly

Usage highlights

die suddenlypass away abruptlysudden deathvanish unexpectedlydepart suddenlyswift passing

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 逐渐— gradually; progressively
  • 缓慢— slowly; gradually

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He died suddenly (溘然长逝).
  • The morning dew vanishes abruptly (朝露溘至).
  • Time passes swiftly (时光溘逝).
  • She left unexpectedly (溘然而去).

Collocations

  • die suddenly(溘逝)
  • pass away abruptly(溘然长逝)
  • sudden death(溘死)
  • vanish unexpectedly(溘至)
  • depart suddenly(溘去)
  • swift passing(溘谢)

Idioms

  • To pass away suddenly(溘然长逝)
  • Morning dew vanishes suddenly(朝露溘至)
  • To die an untimely death(溘先朝露)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Primarily used in classical Chinese literature and formal writing to convey suddenness, often with poetic or solemn undertones.
  • Frequently appears in elegies or texts discussing the transient nature of life.
  • The character carries a literary and somewhat archaic flavor in modern usage.

FAQ