然 (rán) - So & thus

然Tone 2

rán ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

情仁

然 · rán

So;

thus;

like this;

correct;

right;

but;

however;

used as a suffix indicating state or manner.

Sothuslike this

Usage highlights

NaturalSuddenlyIndeedOf courseCalmlyObviously

Synonyms

  • 是— to be; yes (affirmative)
  • 对— correct; right
  • 如— like; as if

Antonyms

  • 否— no; not
  • 非— not; wrong

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • It is indeed so (果然).
  • Suddenly it started raining (忽然下雨).
  • He nodded in agreement (他点头表示同意).
  • The scenery is exceptionally beautiful (风景格外美丽).

Collocations

  • Natural(自然)
  • Suddenly(忽然)
  • Indeed(果然)
  • Of course(当然)
  • Calmly(泰然)
  • Obviously(显然)

Idioms

  • Take it for granted(理所当然)
  • Calm and composed(泰然自若)
  • In perfect order(井然有序)
  • Completely different(截然不同)
  • Spontaneous combustion(自然)
  • Return to one's original state(回归自然)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted roasting dog meat, later borrowed for its phonetic value.
  • Important in Daoist philosophy representing naturalness and spontaneity (自然).
  • Commonly used as a suffix to form adjectives and adverbs in Classical Chinese.

FAQ