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自然而然 (zì rán ér rán) — Chinese word meaning

HSK 7

自然而然 (zì rán ér rán) is a Chinese word: naturally; as a matter of course. This page shows its pinyin, translation, example sentences, character breakdown, decomposition, and HSK level.

Meaning of 自然而然

副 fù adverb

naturally; as a matter of course

时间长了，两个人自然而然就成了好朋友。

shí jiān cháng le liǎng gè rén zì rán ér rán jiù chéng le hǎo péng you

Over time, the two naturally became good friends.

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Word breakdown

自 zì — self; from within

Words with this character (55)
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然 rán — so; in that way (first occurrence)

Words with this character (42)
  • 1 虽然 suī rán — although HSK 2
    • 虽 although, even though (core concessive meaning)
    • 然 so, thus (grammatical suffix completing the conjunction)
    Example

    虽然下雨了，但是我还是去了。

    suī rán xià yǔ le dàn shì wǒ hái shi qù le

    Although it rained, I still went.

  • 2 当然 dāng rán — of course HSK 3
    • 当 should be, ought to be
    • 然 so, like that (indicating natural state)
    Example

    当然，我很愿意帮助你。

    dāng rán wǒ hěn yuàn yì bāng zhù nǐ

    Of course, I'm very willing to help you.

  • 3 然后 rán hòu — then HSK 3
    • 然 so, thus, in this way
    • 后 after, afterwards
    Example

    我先吃饭，然后去学校。

    wǒ xiān chī fàn rán hòu qù xué xiào

    I'll eat first, then go to school.

  • 4 突然 tū rán — suddenly HSK 3
    • 突 abrupt, bursting forth
    • 然 adverbial suffix (in such a manner)
    Example

    天空突然下起了大雨。

    tiān kōng tū rán xià qǐ le dà yǔ

    The sky suddenly started pouring with heavy rain.

  • 5 仍然 réng rán — still HSK 4
    • 仍 continue, remain (as before)
    • 然 affirmative suffix (so, thus)
    Example

    虽然很累，她仍然坚持工作。

    suī rán hěn lèi tā réng rán jiān chí gōng zuò

    Although she is tired, she still persists in working.

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  • 6 大自然 dà zì rán — nature HSK 4
    • 大 great, vast (emphasizes the grandeur and scope of nature)
    • 自 self, natural (indicates the inherent, spontaneous quality)
    • 然 thus, so (reinforces the natural state of being)
    Example

    我们应该保护大自然。

    wǒ men yīng gāi bǎo hù dà zì rán

    We should protect nature.

  • 7 忽然 hū rán — suddenly HSK 4
    • 忽 sudden, abrupt
    • 然 adverbial suffix (-ly)
    Example

    天空忽然下起了大雨。

    tiān kōng hū rán xià qǐ le dà yǔ

    The sky suddenly started pouring heavy rain.

  • 8 既然 jì rán — since, now that HSK 4
    • 既 already, since (indicating an established fact)
    • 然 so, thus (forms conjunction with 既)
    Example

    既然你来了，就一起吃饭吧。

    jì rán nǐ lái le jiù yì qǐ chī fàn ba

    Since you're here, let's eat together.

  • 9 然而 rán ér — however HSK 4
    • 然 so, thus (establishes a state or condition)
    • 而 but, yet (provides contrastive conjunction)
    Example

    他很努力，然而结果并不理想。

    tā hěn nǔ lì rán ér jié guǒ bìng bù lǐ xiǎng

    He worked very hard, however the result was not ideal.

  • 10 竟然 jìng rán — unexpectedly HSK 4
    • 竟 actually, to such an extent
    • 然 so, thus (adverbial suffix)
    Example

    他竟然通过了考试。

    tā jìng rán tōng guò le kǎo shì

    He unexpectedly passed the exam.

  • 11 自然 zì rán — nature HSK 4
    • 自 self, by itself
    • 然 so, thus, in that manner
    Example

    他喜欢接近自然。

    tā xǐ huan jiē jìn zì rán

    He likes to get close to nature.

  • 12 不然 bù rán — otherwise HSK 5
    • 不 not, negation
    • 然 so, thus, like that
    Example

    你要快点，不然会迟到。

    nǐ yào kuài diǎn bù rán huì chí dào

    You need to hurry, otherwise you'll be late.

  • 13 依然 yī rán — still HSK 5
    • 依 according to, following
    • 然 that way, in that manner
    Example

    他依然住在那个老房子里。

    tā yī rán zhù zài nà ge lǎo fáng zi lǐ

    He still lives in that old house.

  • 14 偶然 ǒu rán — accidental HSK 5
    • 偶 chance, occasional
    • 然 suffix forming adjective/adverb meaning 'in such manner'
    Example

    我们在街上偶然相遇。

    wǒ men zài jiē shàng ǒu rán xiāng yù

    We met by chance on the street.

  • 15 居然 jū rán — unexpectedly HSK 5
    • 居 expresses a state or situation (contrary to expectations)
    • 然 emphasizes the natural occurrence of the unexpected
    Example

    他居然通过了考试。

    tā jū rán tōng guò le kǎo shì

    He unexpectedly passed the exam.

  • 16 必然 bì rán — inevitable HSK 5
    • 必 must, necessarily; contributes the sense of certainty
    • 然 so, thus; functions as a nominalizing suffix creating the noun form
    Example

    这是历史发展的必然结果。

    zhè shì lì shǐ fā zhǎn de bì rán jié guǒ

    This is the inevitable result of historical development.

  • 17 显然 xiǎn rán — obviously HSK 5
    • 显 clear, apparent, evident
    • 然 adverbial suffix meaning '-ly'
    Example

    他显然不知道真相。

    tā xiǎn rán bù zhī dào zhēn xiàng

    He obviously doesn't know the truth.

  • 18 果然 guǒ rán — as expected HSK 5
    • 果 result, outcome
    • 然 so, thus (affirmative suffix)
    Example

    他说会下雨，果然下雨了。

    tā shuō huì xià yǔ guǒ rán xià yǔ le

    He said it would rain, and sure enough it did.

  • 19 要不然 yào bù rán — otherwise HSK 5
    • 要 introduces a conditional sense, 'if one needs/wants'
    • 不 negation, 'not'
    • 然 so, thus; completes 'if not so' meaning
    Example

    快点走吧，要不然会迟到的。

    kuài diǎn zǒu ba yào bù rán huì chí dào de

    Hurry up, otherwise we'll be late.

  • 20 天然 tiān rán — natural HSK 6
    • 天 heaven, nature, representing the natural world
    • 然 state or manner suffix, indicating 'in that natural state'
    Example

    这是天然的矿泉水。

    zhè shì tiān rán de kuàng quán shuǐ

    This is natural mineral water.

  • 21 天然气 tiān rán qì — natural gas HSK 6
    • 天 natural (literally 'heaven' or 'sky')
    • 然 forms 'natural' with 天
    • 气 gas
    Example

    我们家用天然气做饭。

    wǒ men jiā yòng tiān rán qì zuò fàn

    Our family uses natural gas for cooking.

  • 22 一目了然 yī mù liǎo rán — clear at a glance HSK 7
    • 一 one (indicating a single glance)
    • 目 eye, glance
    • 了 to understand, to comprehend
    • 然 so, thus (indicating the natural state)
    Example

    这张图表设计得很好，数据趋势一目了然。

    zhè zhāng tú biǎo shè jì de hěn hǎo shù jù qū shì yī mù liǎo rán

    This chart is well designed, the data trends are clear at a glance.

  • 23 不以为然 bù yǐ wéi rán — disapprove; object; take exception; not think so HSK 7
    • 不 not (negation)
    • 以 use; by means of; with
    • 为 consider as; regard as
    • 然 so; like that; correct; right
    Example

    他对我的建议不以为然。

    tā duì wǒ de jiàn yì bù yǐ wéi rán

    He disapproves of my suggestion.

  • 24 公然 gōng rán — openly, publicly, brazenly HSK 7
    • 公 public, open (to all)
    • 然 suffix forming adverbs (in that manner, -ly)
    Example

    他公然违反规定。

    tā gōng rán wéi fǎn guī dìng

    He openly violated the rules.

  • 25 哗然 huá rán — in an uproar HSK 7
    • 哗 noisy, clamorous sound of many voices
    • 然 suffix indicating a state or manner
    Example

    消息传出后，全场哗然。

    xiāo xi chuán chū hòu quán chǎng huá rán

    When the news spread, the whole venue was in an uproar.

  • 26 固然 gù rán — admittedly; it is true that; no doubt HSK 7
    • 固 firmly; certainly; indeed (emphasizes certainty)
    • 然 so; thus; right (affirmative particle forming concessive conjunction)
    Example

    钱固然重要，但健康更重要。

    qián gù rán zhòng yào dàn jiàn kāng gèng zhòng yào

    Money is admittedly important, but health is more important.

  • 27 坦然 tǎn rán — calm and composed HSK 7
    • 坦 open, frank, straightforward
    • 然 state or manner (suffix indicating natural quality)
    Example

    她坦然地承认了自己的错误。

    tā tǎn rán de chéng rèn le zì jǐ de cuò wù

    She calmly admitted her mistake.

  • 28 怡然自得 yí rán zì dé — content and at ease HSK 7
    • 怡 pleasant, joyful
    • 然 state or manner suffix
    • 自 self, oneself
    • 得 to obtain, to gain satisfaction
    Example

    老人坐在公园里看书，显得怡然自得。

    lǎo rén zuò zài gōng yuán lǐ kàn shū xiǎn de yí rán zì dé

    The old man sits reading in the park, appearing content and at ease.

  • 29 恍然大悟 huǎng rán dà wù — suddenly realize HSK 7
    • 恍 suddenly, in a flash
    • 然 manner suffix (indicates the way something happens)
    • 大 great, big (intensifies the realization)
    • 悟 understand, realize, awaken to
    Example

    听了他的解释后，我恍然大悟。

    tīng le tā de jiě shì hòu wǒ huǎng rán dà wù

    After hearing his explanation, I suddenly realized.

  • 30 截然不同 jié rán bù tóng — completely different HSK 7
    • 截 sharply, clearly (indicating a sharp distinction)
    • 然 manner suffix (forms adverb emphasizing the state)
    • 不 not (negation particle)
    • 同 same, similar (the concept being negated)
    Example

    双胞胎的性格截然不同。

    shuāng bāo tāi de xìng gé jié rán bù tóng

    The twins' personalities are completely different.

  • 31 断然 duàn rán — resolutely HSK 7
    • 断 decisive, absolute, cutting off
    • 然 manner suffix (forming an adverb)
    Example

    他断然拒绝了这个提议。

    tā duàn rán jù jué le zhè ge tí yì

    He resolutely rejected this proposal.

  • 32 毅然 yì rán — resolutely HSK 7
    • 毅 resolute, firm determination
    • 然 manner suffix indicating 'in that way'
    Example

    他毅然决定辞职创业。

    tā yì rán jué dìng cí zhí chuàng yè

    He resolutely decided to resign and start a business.

  • 33 漠然 mò rán — indifferent HSK 7
    • 漠 desert-like, barren; conveys emotional emptiness and coldness
    • 然 in such a manner; forms an adjective indicating a state
    Example

    她对周围发生的一切都很漠然。

    tā duì zhōu wéi fā shēng de yī qiè dōu hěn mò rán

    She is indifferent to everything happening around her.

  • 34 焕然一新 huàn rán yī xīn — to take on a completely new look, brand new HSK 7
    • 焕 brilliant, radiant (conveying brightness and vitality)
    • 然 suffix indicating state or manner
    • 一 completely, entirely (emphasizing totality)
    • 新 new, fresh
    Example

    经过装修，这座老房子焕然一新。

    jīng guò zhuāng xiū zhè zuò lǎo fáng zi huàn rán yī xīn

    After renovation, this old house took on a completely new look.

  • 35 猛然 měng rán — suddenly HSK 7
    • 猛 fierce, sudden, abrupt
    • 然 suffix forming adverbs of manner
    Example

    他猛然站起来，吓了我一跳。

    tā měng rán zhàn qǐ lái xià le wǒ yí tiào

    He suddenly stood up and startled me.

  • 36 理所当然 lǐ suǒ dāng rán — naturally; as a matter of course; it stands to reason HSK 7
    • 理 reason, principle, logic
    • 所 that which (grammatical particle connecting elements)
    • 当 should, ought to, appropriate
    • 然 so, thus, in that way (natural state)
    Example

    父母关心孩子是理所当然的事。

    fù mǔ guān xīn hái zi shì lǐ suǒ dāng rán de shì

    Parents caring for their children is a matter of course.

  • 37 纵然 zòng rán — even if HSK 7
    • 纵 even, grant (sets up concessive relationship)
    • 然 so, being in that state (confirms the condition)
    Example

    纵然困难重重，我们也要坚持下去。

    zòng rán kùn nán chóng chóng wǒ men yě yào jiān chí xià qù

    Even if difficulties are numerous, we must persist.

  • 38 自然界 zì rán jiè — natural world HSK 7
    • 自 self, natural (forms 'natural' with 然)
    • 然 so, thus (completes 'natural' with 自)
    • 界 world, realm, sphere
    Example

    自然界中有很多神奇的现象。

    zì rán jiè zhōng yǒu hěn duō shén qí de xiàn xiàng

    There are many miraculous phenomena in the natural world.

  • 39 茫然 máng rán — bewildered, at a loss HSK 7
    • 茫 vast, vague, unclear (describes the unclear mental state)
    • 然 in such a manner (suffix forming adjective/adverb)
    Example

    他茫然地看着周围，不知道发生了什么。

    tā máng rán de kàn zhe zhōu wéi bù zhī dào fā shēng le shén me

    He looked around bewildered, not knowing what had happened.

  • 40 赫然 hè rán — strikingly HSK 7
    • 赫 brilliant, impressive
    • 然 manner suffix (forms adverb)
    Example

    他的名字赫然出现在名单上。

    tā de míng zi hè rán chū xiàn zài míng dān shàng

    His name appeared strikingly on the list.

  • 41 顺其自然 shùn qí zì rán — let nature take its course HSK 7
    • 顺 follow, go along with
    • 其 it, its (referring to the situation)
    • 自 self, naturally (part of 自然)
    • 然 so, thus (completes 自然 meaning 'nature')
    Example

    他决定顺其自然，不再强求。

    tā jué dìng shùn qí zì rán bù zài qiáng qiú

    He decided to let nature take its course and stop forcing things.

  • 42 骤然 zhòu rán — suddenly HSK 7
    • 骤 sudden, abrupt
    • 然 adverbial suffix (in that manner)
    Example

    天气骤然变冷了。

    tiān qì zhòu rán biàn lěng le

    The weather suddenly turned cold.

而 ér — and; connecting particle

Words with this character (29)
  • 1 而且 ér qiě — moreover HSK 3
    • 而 connecting particle (and, but)
    • 且 moreover, also (adds emphasis)
    Example

    她不仅会说中文，而且会说英文。

    tā bù jǐn huì shuō zhōng wén ér qiě huì shuō yīng wén

    She not only speaks Chinese, but also speaks English.

  • 2 然而 rán ér — however HSK 4
    • 然 so, thus (establishes a state or condition)
    • 而 but, yet (provides contrastive conjunction)
    Example

    他很努力，然而结果并不理想。

    tā hěn nǔ lì rán ér jié guǒ bìng bù lǐ xiǎng

    He worked very hard, however the result was not ideal.

  • 3 从而 cóng ér — thereby HSK 5
    • 从 following from, proceeding from
    • 而 and then, consequently
    Example

    公司改进了管理方法，从而提高了效率。

    gōng sī gǎi jìn le guǎn lǐ fāng fǎ cóng ér tí gāo le xiào lǜ

    The company improved its management methods, thereby increasing efficiency.

  • 4 反而 fǎn ér — on the contrary HSK 5
    • 反 opposite, contrary
    • 而 conjunction emphasizing contrast
    Example

    他不但没有生气，反而笑了。

    tā bù dàn méi yǒu shēng qì fǎn ér xiào le

    He not only didn't get angry, but instead laughed.

  • 5 因而 yīn ér — therefore HSK 5
    • 因 cause, reason
    • 而 connecting particle (links cause to effect)
    Example

    他生病了，因而没来上课。

    tā shēng bìng le yīn ér méi lái shàng kè

    He got sick, therefore he didn't come to class.

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然 rán — so; in that way (reinforcing repetition)

Words with this character (42)
  • 1 虽然 suī rán — although HSK 2
    • 虽 although, even though (core concessive meaning)
    • 然 so, thus (grammatical suffix completing the conjunction)
    Example

    虽然下雨了，但是我还是去了。

    suī rán xià yǔ le dàn shì wǒ hái shi qù le

    Although it rained, I still went.

  • 2 当然 dāng rán — of course HSK 3
    • 当 should be, ought to be
    • 然 so, like that (indicating natural state)
    Example

    当然，我很愿意帮助你。

    dāng rán wǒ hěn yuàn yì bāng zhù nǐ

    Of course, I'm very willing to help you.

  • 3 然后 rán hòu — then HSK 3
    • 然 so, thus, in this way
    • 后 after, afterwards
    Example

    我先吃饭，然后去学校。

    wǒ xiān chī fàn rán hòu qù xué xiào

    I'll eat first, then go to school.

  • 4 突然 tū rán — suddenly HSK 3
    • 突 abrupt, bursting forth
    • 然 adverbial suffix (in such a manner)
    Example

    天空突然下起了大雨。

    tiān kōng tū rán xià qǐ le dà yǔ

    The sky suddenly started pouring with heavy rain.

  • 5 仍然 réng rán — still HSK 4
    • 仍 continue, remain (as before)
    • 然 affirmative suffix (so, thus)
    Example

    虽然很累，她仍然坚持工作。

    suī rán hěn lèi tā réng rán jiān chí gōng zuò

    Although she is tired, she still persists in working.

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  • 6 大自然 dà zì rán — nature HSK 4
    • 大 great, vast (emphasizes the grandeur and scope of nature)
    • 自 self, natural (indicates the inherent, spontaneous quality)
    • 然 thus, so (reinforces the natural state of being)
    Example

    我们应该保护大自然。

    wǒ men yīng gāi bǎo hù dà zì rán

    We should protect nature.

  • 7 忽然 hū rán — suddenly HSK 4
    • 忽 sudden, abrupt
    • 然 adverbial suffix (-ly)
    Example

    天空忽然下起了大雨。

    tiān kōng hū rán xià qǐ le dà yǔ

    The sky suddenly started pouring heavy rain.

  • 8 既然 jì rán — since, now that HSK 4
    • 既 already, since (indicating an established fact)
    • 然 so, thus (forms conjunction with 既)
    Example

    既然你来了，就一起吃饭吧。

    jì rán nǐ lái le jiù yì qǐ chī fàn ba

    Since you're here, let's eat together.

  • 9 然而 rán ér — however HSK 4
    • 然 so, thus (establishes a state or condition)
    • 而 but, yet (provides contrastive conjunction)
    Example

    他很努力，然而结果并不理想。

    tā hěn nǔ lì rán ér jié guǒ bìng bù lǐ xiǎng

    He worked very hard, however the result was not ideal.

  • 10 竟然 jìng rán — unexpectedly HSK 4
    • 竟 actually, to such an extent
    • 然 so, thus (adverbial suffix)
    Example

    他竟然通过了考试。

    tā jìng rán tōng guò le kǎo shì

    He unexpectedly passed the exam.

  • 11 自然 zì rán — nature HSK 4
    • 自 self, by itself
    • 然 so, thus, in that manner
    Example

    他喜欢接近自然。

    tā xǐ huan jiē jìn zì rán

    He likes to get close to nature.

  • 12 不然 bù rán — otherwise HSK 5
    • 不 not, negation
    • 然 so, thus, like that
    Example

    你要快点，不然会迟到。

    nǐ yào kuài diǎn bù rán huì chí dào

    You need to hurry, otherwise you'll be late.

  • 13 依然 yī rán — still HSK 5
    • 依 according to, following
    • 然 that way, in that manner
    Example

    他依然住在那个老房子里。

    tā yī rán zhù zài nà ge lǎo fáng zi lǐ

    He still lives in that old house.

  • 14 偶然 ǒu rán — accidental HSK 5
    • 偶 chance, occasional
    • 然 suffix forming adjective/adverb meaning 'in such manner'
    Example

    我们在街上偶然相遇。

    wǒ men zài jiē shàng ǒu rán xiāng yù

    We met by chance on the street.

  • 15 居然 jū rán — unexpectedly HSK 5
    • 居 expresses a state or situation (contrary to expectations)
    • 然 emphasizes the natural occurrence of the unexpected
    Example

    他居然通过了考试。

    tā jū rán tōng guò le kǎo shì

    He unexpectedly passed the exam.

  • 16 必然 bì rán — inevitable HSK 5
    • 必 must, necessarily; contributes the sense of certainty
    • 然 so, thus; functions as a nominalizing suffix creating the noun form
    Example

    这是历史发展的必然结果。

    zhè shì lì shǐ fā zhǎn de bì rán jié guǒ

    This is the inevitable result of historical development.

  • 17 显然 xiǎn rán — obviously HSK 5
    • 显 clear, apparent, evident
    • 然 adverbial suffix meaning '-ly'
    Example

    他显然不知道真相。

    tā xiǎn rán bù zhī dào zhēn xiàng

    He obviously doesn't know the truth.

  • 18 果然 guǒ rán — as expected HSK 5
    • 果 result, outcome
    • 然 so, thus (affirmative suffix)
    Example

    他说会下雨，果然下雨了。

    tā shuō huì xià yǔ guǒ rán xià yǔ le

    He said it would rain, and sure enough it did.

  • 19 要不然 yào bù rán — otherwise HSK 5
    • 要 introduces a conditional sense, 'if one needs/wants'
    • 不 negation, 'not'
    • 然 so, thus; completes 'if not so' meaning
    Example

    快点走吧，要不然会迟到的。

    kuài diǎn zǒu ba yào bù rán huì chí dào de

    Hurry up, otherwise we'll be late.

  • 20 天然 tiān rán — natural HSK 6
    • 天 heaven, nature, representing the natural world
    • 然 state or manner suffix, indicating 'in that natural state'
    Example

    这是天然的矿泉水。

    zhè shì tiān rán de kuàng quán shuǐ

    This is natural mineral water.

  • 21 天然气 tiān rán qì — natural gas HSK 6
    • 天 natural (literally 'heaven' or 'sky')
    • 然 forms 'natural' with 天
    • 气 gas
    Example

    我们家用天然气做饭。

    wǒ men jiā yòng tiān rán qì zuò fàn

    Our family uses natural gas for cooking.

  • 22 一目了然 yī mù liǎo rán — clear at a glance HSK 7
    • 一 one (indicating a single glance)
    • 目 eye, glance
    • 了 to understand, to comprehend
    • 然 so, thus (indicating the natural state)
    Example

    这张图表设计得很好，数据趋势一目了然。

    zhè zhāng tú biǎo shè jì de hěn hǎo shù jù qū shì yī mù liǎo rán

    This chart is well designed, the data trends are clear at a glance.

  • 23 不以为然 bù yǐ wéi rán — disapprove; object; take exception; not think so HSK 7
    • 不 not (negation)
    • 以 use; by means of; with
    • 为 consider as; regard as
    • 然 so; like that; correct; right
    Example

    他对我的建议不以为然。

    tā duì wǒ de jiàn yì bù yǐ wéi rán

    He disapproves of my suggestion.

  • 24 公然 gōng rán — openly, publicly, brazenly HSK 7
    • 公 public, open (to all)
    • 然 suffix forming adverbs (in that manner, -ly)
    Example

    他公然违反规定。

    tā gōng rán wéi fǎn guī dìng

    He openly violated the rules.

  • 25 哗然 huá rán — in an uproar HSK 7
    • 哗 noisy, clamorous sound of many voices
    • 然 suffix indicating a state or manner
    Example

    消息传出后，全场哗然。

    xiāo xi chuán chū hòu quán chǎng huá rán

    When the news spread, the whole venue was in an uproar.

  • 26 固然 gù rán — admittedly; it is true that; no doubt HSK 7
    • 固 firmly; certainly; indeed (emphasizes certainty)
    • 然 so; thus; right (affirmative particle forming concessive conjunction)
    Example

    钱固然重要，但健康更重要。

    qián gù rán zhòng yào dàn jiàn kāng gèng zhòng yào

    Money is admittedly important, but health is more important.

  • 27 坦然 tǎn rán — calm and composed HSK 7
    • 坦 open, frank, straightforward
    • 然 state or manner (suffix indicating natural quality)
    Example

    她坦然地承认了自己的错误。

    tā tǎn rán de chéng rèn le zì jǐ de cuò wù

    She calmly admitted her mistake.

  • 28 怡然自得 yí rán zì dé — content and at ease HSK 7
    • 怡 pleasant, joyful
    • 然 state or manner suffix
    • 自 self, oneself
    • 得 to obtain, to gain satisfaction
    Example

    老人坐在公园里看书，显得怡然自得。

    lǎo rén zuò zài gōng yuán lǐ kàn shū xiǎn de yí rán zì dé

    The old man sits reading in the park, appearing content and at ease.

  • 29 恍然大悟 huǎng rán dà wù — suddenly realize HSK 7
    • 恍 suddenly, in a flash
    • 然 manner suffix (indicates the way something happens)
    • 大 great, big (intensifies the realization)
    • 悟 understand, realize, awaken to
    Example

    听了他的解释后，我恍然大悟。

    tīng le tā de jiě shì hòu wǒ huǎng rán dà wù

    After hearing his explanation, I suddenly realized.

  • 30 截然不同 jié rán bù tóng — completely different HSK 7
    • 截 sharply, clearly (indicating a sharp distinction)
    • 然 manner suffix (forms adverb emphasizing the state)
    • 不 not (negation particle)
    • 同 same, similar (the concept being negated)
    Example

    双胞胎的性格截然不同。

    shuāng bāo tāi de xìng gé jié rán bù tóng

    The twins' personalities are completely different.

  • 31 断然 duàn rán — resolutely HSK 7
    • 断 decisive, absolute, cutting off
    • 然 manner suffix (forming an adverb)
    Example

    他断然拒绝了这个提议。

    tā duàn rán jù jué le zhè ge tí yì

    He resolutely rejected this proposal.

  • 32 毅然 yì rán — resolutely HSK 7
    • 毅 resolute, firm determination
    • 然 manner suffix indicating 'in that way'
    Example

    他毅然决定辞职创业。

    tā yì rán jué dìng cí zhí chuàng yè

    He resolutely decided to resign and start a business.

  • 33 漠然 mò rán — indifferent HSK 7
    • 漠 desert-like, barren; conveys emotional emptiness and coldness
    • 然 in such a manner; forms an adjective indicating a state
    Example

    她对周围发生的一切都很漠然。

    tā duì zhōu wéi fā shēng de yī qiè dōu hěn mò rán

    She is indifferent to everything happening around her.

  • 34 焕然一新 huàn rán yī xīn — to take on a completely new look, brand new HSK 7
    • 焕 brilliant, radiant (conveying brightness and vitality)
    • 然 suffix indicating state or manner
    • 一 completely, entirely (emphasizing totality)
    • 新 new, fresh
    Example

    经过装修，这座老房子焕然一新。

    jīng guò zhuāng xiū zhè zuò lǎo fáng zi huàn rán yī xīn

    After renovation, this old house took on a completely new look.

  • 35 猛然 měng rán — suddenly HSK 7
    • 猛 fierce, sudden, abrupt
    • 然 suffix forming adverbs of manner
    Example

    他猛然站起来，吓了我一跳。

    tā měng rán zhàn qǐ lái xià le wǒ yí tiào

    He suddenly stood up and startled me.

  • 36 理所当然 lǐ suǒ dāng rán — naturally; as a matter of course; it stands to reason HSK 7
    • 理 reason, principle, logic
    • 所 that which (grammatical particle connecting elements)
    • 当 should, ought to, appropriate
    • 然 so, thus, in that way (natural state)
    Example

    父母关心孩子是理所当然的事。

    fù mǔ guān xīn hái zi shì lǐ suǒ dāng rán de shì

    Parents caring for their children is a matter of course.

  • 37 纵然 zòng rán — even if HSK 7
    • 纵 even, grant (sets up concessive relationship)
    • 然 so, being in that state (confirms the condition)
    Example

    纵然困难重重，我们也要坚持下去。

    zòng rán kùn nán chóng chóng wǒ men yě yào jiān chí xià qù

    Even if difficulties are numerous, we must persist.

  • 38 自然界 zì rán jiè — natural world HSK 7
    • 自 self, natural (forms 'natural' with 然)
    • 然 so, thus (completes 'natural' with 自)
    • 界 world, realm, sphere
    Example

    自然界中有很多神奇的现象。

    zì rán jiè zhōng yǒu hěn duō shén qí de xiàn xiàng

    There are many miraculous phenomena in the natural world.

  • 39 茫然 máng rán — bewildered, at a loss HSK 7
    • 茫 vast, vague, unclear (describes the unclear mental state)
    • 然 in such a manner (suffix forming adjective/adverb)
    Example

    他茫然地看着周围，不知道发生了什么。

    tā máng rán de kàn zhe zhōu wéi bù zhī dào fā shēng le shén me

    He looked around bewildered, not knowing what had happened.

  • 40 赫然 hè rán — strikingly HSK 7
    • 赫 brilliant, impressive
    • 然 manner suffix (forms adverb)
    Example

    他的名字赫然出现在名单上。

    tā de míng zi hè rán chū xiàn zài míng dān shàng

    His name appeared strikingly on the list.

  • 41 顺其自然 shùn qí zì rán — let nature take its course HSK 7
    • 顺 follow, go along with
    • 其 it, its (referring to the situation)
    • 自 self, naturally (part of 自然)
    • 然 so, thus (completes 自然 meaning 'nature')
    Example

    他决定顺其自然，不再强求。

    tā jué dìng shùn qí zì rán bù zài qiáng qiú

    He decided to let nature take its course and stop forcing things.

  • 42 骤然 zhòu rán — suddenly HSK 7
    • 骤 sudden, abrupt
    • 然 adverbial suffix (in that manner)
    Example

    天气骤然变冷了。

    tiān qì zhòu rán biàn lěng le

    The weather suddenly turned cold.

Structure & writing
1 自 zì — oneself; one's own self
自 is a component in 6 characters
HSK 1
息 xī breath; air inhaled and exhaled
HSK 3
咱 zán we (inclusive of both speaker and listener), equivalent to "咱们" 夏 xià summer (the second of the four seasons)
HSK 4
首 shǒu head; skull 鼻 bí nose (olfactory and respiratory organ)
HSK 5
臭 chòu foul-smelling; stinking (opposite of 香)

自 is an atomic character — it does not decompose further.

Stroke order

2 然 rán — (lit.) correct; right
然 is a component in 1 characters
HSK 5
燃 rán to burn; to be on fire

consists of

2.1 ⺼ — flesh/meat radical, representing body tissue or muscle
⺼ is a component in 68 characters
HSK 1
能 néng ability; talent; skill 脑 nǎo brain (the main part of the nervous system, located in the cranial cavity, comprising cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem, etc.)
HSK 2
然 rán (lit.) correct; right
HSK 3
育 yù to give birth to 胖 pàng fat, overweight (opposite of 瘦) 脏 zàng internal organs of the body 脚 jiǎo foot (of a person or animal) 脸 liǎn face (front of the head, from forehead to chin)
Show more HSK 3 characters (+1)
腿 tuǐ leg (of a person or animal)
HSK 4
肚 dù belly; abdomen 肤 fū skin, the outer surface of the human body 肯 kěn meat attached to bone; key or vital part 背 bèi back (of the upper body, opposite the chest and abdomen) 胳 gē arm (used in "胳膊" "胳臂"), the part of the upper limb between the shoulder and the wrist
Show more HSK 4 characters (+4)
脱 tuō to come off; to fall away 脾 pí spleen (internal organ) 膊 bo 膏 gāo fat; grease; oil
HSK 5
捐 juān to abandon; to give up 肌 jī muscle; tissue composed of muscle fibers capable of contraction 肖 xiào to resemble, to look like 肥 féi fat; containing much fat (opposite of 'lean'; generally not used for people except in 肥胖, 减肥) 胁 xié the side of the body between the armpit and the waist
Show more HSK 5 characters (+6)
胃 wèi stomach (digestive organ connecting the esophagus and duodenum) 胆 dǎn gallbladder, the sac-like organ that stores bile 胜 shèng to defeat an opponent or enemy 胡 hú ancient general term for northern and western ethnic peoples 腰 yāo waist; the middle part of the body between the hips and ribs 膀 bǎng upper arm connected to the shoulder
HSK 6
肝 gān liver (digestive organ in humans and higher animals) 肠 cháng intestine (digestive organ connecting stomach to anus, divided into small and large intestine) 股 gǔ thigh (from hip to knee) 肩 jiān shoulder, the part of the body between the neck and arm 肪 fáng fat (as in 脂肪): organic compound formed from fatty acids and glycerol, stored in animal and plant tissue as an energy source
Show more HSK 6 characters (+11)
肺 fèi lung (respiratory organ) 肿 zhǒng to swell (of skin, mucous membrane, muscle, etc. due to circulatory obstruction, inflammation, suppuration, or internal bleeding) 胞 bāo placenta and fetal membranes 胶 jiāo glue or adhesive substance (made from animal hides, horns, or plant secretions, or synthetic) 胸 xiōng chest; the front of the torso between the neck and abdomen 脂 zhī fat or oil from animal tissue or oil-bearing plant seeds 脆 cuì brittle; easily broken (opposite of "韧") 脖 bó neck (the part connecting head and torso) 腔 qiāng hollow or organ-containing cavity inside an animal's body 臂 bì arm 骨 gǔ bone, the hard tissue supporting the body in humans and vertebrates
HSK 7
婿 xù husband 祭 jì to pay tribute to the deceased 筋 jīn tendon or ligament connecting muscle to bone 肢 zhī limb (arm or leg of a person, or leg of certain animals) 胀 zhàng to swell, expand in volume (opposite of 缩)
Show more HSK 7 characters (+18)
胎 tāi fetus; embryo in the womb of a human or other mammal 胚 pēi embryo; organism in early development, formed from fertilized or unfertilized egg 脉 mài blood vessel 腆 tiǎn (lit.) abundant; plentiful 腊 là ancient winter sacrifice to the gods held in the 12th lunar month 腕 wàn wrist; ankle 腥 xīng raw meat; meat and fish foods 腹 fù abdomen; belly 腻 nì to feel put off by greasy food 腼 miǎn shy and awkward; see 腼腆 膛 táng body cavity 膜 mó membrane (thin tissue in humans, animals, and plants) 膝 xī knee, the front part connecting the thigh and lower leg, containing a joint 膨 péng to expand in volume; to swell 膳 shàn meal; food 臀 tún buttocks 藤 téng plant name: ① wisteria (紫藤), a climbing plant with purple flowers, commonly called 藤萝; ② rattan (白藤), an evergreen woody plant with long, flexible yet tough stems used for weaving chairs, baskets, and boxes, commonly called 藤子; ③ gamboge tree (藤黄), an evergreen tree with round fruit and yellow resin used as a pigment, but toxic and not for coloring food 豚 tún piglet; pig in general
2.2 犬 quǎn — dog
犬 is a component in 14 characters
HSK 2
然 rán (lit.) correct; right
HSK 3
哭 kū to cry; to weep from pain, grief, or strong emotion 突 tū chimney or smoke outlet beside an ancient stove
HSK 4
厌 yàn to dislike; to detest; to be fed up with 获 huò to capture; to seize 默 mò to be silent, make no sound (reduplicated)
HSK 5
器 qì utensils; implements; vessels 状 zhuàng shape; form; state 献 xiàn to offer or present respectfully and solemnly 臭 chòu foul-smelling; stinking (opposite of 香)
HSK 7
伏 fú to lean forward onto something; to lie face down, prostrate 狱 yù prison; jail 莽 mǎng dense, thick grass 飙 biāo (lit.) violent windstorm
2.3 灬 huǒ — fire radical
灬 is a component in 18 characters
HSK 1
点 diǎn a small drop of liquid; droplet 热 rè hot; high in temperature (opposite of 'cold')
HSK 2
然 rán (lit.) correct; right
HSK 3
照 zhào (of light) shine on an object 熊 xióng bear (large mammal with short tail, thick limbs, and hooked claws) 糕 gāo cake or pastry made from rice flour or wheat flour, e.g. 年糕, 蜂糕, 蛋糕
HSK 4
熟 shú ripe (of fruit or crops, opposite of '生')
HSK 5
烈 liè intense, strong, powerful (of concentration, force, momentum, etc.) 煮 zhǔ to boil or cook (food) in water over heat 熬 áo to cook grain etc. in water into a paste or porridge
HSK 6
杰 jié a person of outstanding talent 焦 jiāo scorched, charred (dried out by heat, turning yellowish-black, hard and brittle)
HSK 7
烹 pēng cooking method: stir briefly in hot oil, then add soy sauce and seasonings, and dish up immediately 煎 jiān to pan-fry (cook in a small amount of oil until surface is browned) 熙 xī (lit.) bright, radiant 燕 yàn swallow (bird with small body, long pointed wings, and forked tail) 蒸 zhēng to evaporate; (of liquid) to heat up and rise as vapor
Show more HSK 7 characters (+1)
遮 zhē to block from view; to obscure

Stroke order

3 而 ér — conjunction linking verbs, adjectives, or clauses: ① connecting successive elements ② connecting complementary affirmative and negative elements ③ connecting contrasting elements (adversative) ④ connecting causally related elements
而 is a component in 3 characters
HSK 3
需 xū to need, to require
HSK 4
耐 nài to endure; to withstand; to bear
HSK 7
耍 shuǎ to play; to have fun

而 is an atomic character — it does not decompose further.

Stroke order

4 然 rán — (lit.) correct; right
然 is a component in 1 characters
HSK 5
燃 rán to burn; to be on fire

consists of

4.1 ⺼ — flesh/meat radical, representing body tissue or muscle
⺼ is a component in 68 characters
HSK 1
能 néng ability; talent; skill 脑 nǎo brain (the main part of the nervous system, located in the cranial cavity, comprising cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem, etc.)
HSK 2
然 rán (lit.) correct; right
HSK 3
育 yù to give birth to 胖 pàng fat, overweight (opposite of 瘦) 脏 zàng internal organs of the body 脚 jiǎo foot (of a person or animal) 脸 liǎn face (front of the head, from forehead to chin)
Show more HSK 3 characters (+1)
腿 tuǐ leg (of a person or animal)
HSK 4
肚 dù belly; abdomen 肤 fū skin, the outer surface of the human body 肯 kěn meat attached to bone; key or vital part 背 bèi back (of the upper body, opposite the chest and abdomen) 胳 gē arm (used in "胳膊" "胳臂"), the part of the upper limb between the shoulder and the wrist
Show more HSK 4 characters (+4)
脱 tuō to come off; to fall away 脾 pí spleen (internal organ) 膊 bo 膏 gāo fat; grease; oil
HSK 5
捐 juān to abandon; to give up 肌 jī muscle; tissue composed of muscle fibers capable of contraction 肖 xiào to resemble, to look like 肥 féi fat; containing much fat (opposite of 'lean'; generally not used for people except in 肥胖, 减肥) 胁 xié the side of the body between the armpit and the waist
Show more HSK 5 characters (+6)
胃 wèi stomach (digestive organ connecting the esophagus and duodenum) 胆 dǎn gallbladder, the sac-like organ that stores bile 胜 shèng to defeat an opponent or enemy 胡 hú ancient general term for northern and western ethnic peoples 腰 yāo waist; the middle part of the body between the hips and ribs 膀 bǎng upper arm connected to the shoulder
HSK 6
肝 gān liver (digestive organ in humans and higher animals) 肠 cháng intestine (digestive organ connecting stomach to anus, divided into small and large intestine) 股 gǔ thigh (from hip to knee) 肩 jiān shoulder, the part of the body between the neck and arm 肪 fáng fat (as in 脂肪): organic compound formed from fatty acids and glycerol, stored in animal and plant tissue as an energy source
Show more HSK 6 characters (+11)
肺 fèi lung (respiratory organ) 肿 zhǒng to swell (of skin, mucous membrane, muscle, etc. due to circulatory obstruction, inflammation, suppuration, or internal bleeding) 胞 bāo placenta and fetal membranes 胶 jiāo glue or adhesive substance (made from animal hides, horns, or plant secretions, or synthetic) 胸 xiōng chest; the front of the torso between the neck and abdomen 脂 zhī fat or oil from animal tissue or oil-bearing plant seeds 脆 cuì brittle; easily broken (opposite of "韧") 脖 bó neck (the part connecting head and torso) 腔 qiāng hollow or organ-containing cavity inside an animal's body 臂 bì arm 骨 gǔ bone, the hard tissue supporting the body in humans and vertebrates
HSK 7
婿 xù husband 祭 jì to pay tribute to the deceased 筋 jīn tendon or ligament connecting muscle to bone 肢 zhī limb (arm or leg of a person, or leg of certain animals) 胀 zhàng to swell, expand in volume (opposite of 缩)
Show more HSK 7 characters (+18)
胎 tāi fetus; embryo in the womb of a human or other mammal 胚 pēi embryo; organism in early development, formed from fertilized or unfertilized egg 脉 mài blood vessel 腆 tiǎn (lit.) abundant; plentiful 腊 là ancient winter sacrifice to the gods held in the 12th lunar month 腕 wàn wrist; ankle 腥 xīng raw meat; meat and fish foods 腹 fù abdomen; belly 腻 nì to feel put off by greasy food 腼 miǎn shy and awkward; see 腼腆 膛 táng body cavity 膜 mó membrane (thin tissue in humans, animals, and plants) 膝 xī knee, the front part connecting the thigh and lower leg, containing a joint 膨 péng to expand in volume; to swell 膳 shàn meal; food 臀 tún buttocks 藤 téng plant name: ① wisteria (紫藤), a climbing plant with purple flowers, commonly called 藤萝; ② rattan (白藤), an evergreen woody plant with long, flexible yet tough stems used for weaving chairs, baskets, and boxes, commonly called 藤子; ③ gamboge tree (藤黄), an evergreen tree with round fruit and yellow resin used as a pigment, but toxic and not for coloring food 豚 tún piglet; pig in general
4.2 犬 quǎn — dog
犬 is a component in 14 characters
HSK 2
然 rán (lit.) correct; right
HSK 3
哭 kū to cry; to weep from pain, grief, or strong emotion 突 tū chimney or smoke outlet beside an ancient stove
HSK 4
厌 yàn to dislike; to detest; to be fed up with 获 huò to capture; to seize 默 mò to be silent, make no sound (reduplicated)
HSK 5
器 qì utensils; implements; vessels 状 zhuàng shape; form; state 献 xiàn to offer or present respectfully and solemnly 臭 chòu foul-smelling; stinking (opposite of 香)
HSK 7
伏 fú to lean forward onto something; to lie face down, prostrate 狱 yù prison; jail 莽 mǎng dense, thick grass 飙 biāo (lit.) violent windstorm
4.3 灬 huǒ — fire radical
灬 is a component in 18 characters
HSK 1
点 diǎn a small drop of liquid; droplet 热 rè hot; high in temperature (opposite of 'cold')
HSK 2
然 rán (lit.) correct; right
HSK 3
照 zhào (of light) shine on an object 熊 xióng bear (large mammal with short tail, thick limbs, and hooked claws) 糕 gāo cake or pastry made from rice flour or wheat flour, e.g. 年糕, 蜂糕, 蛋糕
HSK 4
熟 shú ripe (of fruit or crops, opposite of '生')
HSK 5
烈 liè intense, strong, powerful (of concentration, force, momentum, etc.) 煮 zhǔ to boil or cook (food) in water over heat 熬 áo to cook grain etc. in water into a paste or porridge
HSK 6
杰 jié a person of outstanding talent 焦 jiāo scorched, charred (dried out by heat, turning yellowish-black, hard and brittle)
HSK 7
烹 pēng cooking method: stir briefly in hot oil, then add soy sauce and seasonings, and dish up immediately 煎 jiān to pan-fry (cook in a small amount of oil until surface is browned) 熙 xī (lit.) bright, radiant 燕 yàn swallow (bird with small body, long pointed wings, and forked tail) 蒸 zhēng to evaporate; (of liquid) to heat up and rise as vapor
Show more HSK 7 characters (+1)
遮 zhē to block from view; to obscure

Stroke order