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March 24, 2026
当然(當然)dāngrán(dang1ran2)
当然 (dāngrán) means 'of course' or 'certainly,' indicating something that is obvious or expected. It is commonly used in conversations to affirm a statement or to express agreement, conveying a sense of assurance or inevitability in a response.
Frequency#163DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, agreeing with someone using 当然 reflects harmony and understanding in social interactions. It is often used to maintain a positive atmosphere in conversations, highlighting the importance of consensus.
Memory Tip
Imagine a big, round 'D' (like a door) that opens to reveal a sunny day, suggesting that what follows is as natural as the sun shining. The sound 'dang' resembles a bell ringing to signal something is obvious, while 'ran' can evoke the idea of 'running' towards something expected.
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AI Study Notes for 当然
Quick Contrast
当然 (dāngrán) vs 毫无疑问 (háowú yíwèn) — use 当然 for more casual agreement, while 毫无疑问 emphasizes certainty in a more formal context.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a big, round 'D' (like a door) that opens to reveal a sunny day, suggesting that what follows is as natural as the sun shining. The sound 'dang' resembles a bell ringing to signal something is obvious, while 'ran' can evoke the idea of 'running' towards something expected.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to overuse 当然 in formal writing, as it can come off as too casual. Common collocations include 当然可以 (of course, you can) and 当然是 (certainly, it is). Avoid confusing 当然 with 当然的 (of course, in a more adjective form).
HSK Study Tips
At HSK level 3, students should focus on using 当然 in daily conversations to affirm opinions or statements. It connects well with other words like 当然不是 (of course not) and 当然要 (certainly must), enhancing conversational fluency.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, agreeing with someone using 当然 reflects harmony and understanding in social interactions. It is often used to maintain a positive atmosphere in conversations, highlighting the importance of consensus.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 当然 with 当然的, mistakenly using it in a context that requires an adjective. For example, saying '这是当然' instead of '这是当然的' when describing something as obvious is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 当然
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Grammar Patterns of 当然
当然 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
"Perhaps it would be better if I withdrew altogether." — "Certainly not!"
9
当然，那必须通过不记名投票的方式。
dāng rán， ， nà bì xū tōng guò bù jì míng tóu piào de fāng。
Of course, that would have to be by anonymous vote.
10
“那笔钱是我的。”——“当然是你的，而且也理应如此。”
“ “ nà bǐ qián shì wǒ。”——“ de 。”——“ dāng rán shì， nǐ de ， ér qiě yě lǐ。”
"That money's mine."— 'Of course it is. and quite right too.'
Cultural Notes for 当然
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, agreeing with someone using 当然 reflects harmony and understanding in social interactions. It is often used to maintain a positive atmosphere in conversations, highlighting the importance of consensus.
Frequently Asked Questions about 当然
While 当然 is commonly used in everyday conversation, it may be considered too informal for very formal writing or speeches.
Yes, 当然 can often be translated as 'sure' or 'of course,' but it carries a stronger connotation of certainty.
It is pronounced as 'dāngrán' with the first syllable in the first tone (high and level) and the second syllable in the second tone (rising).
