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March 24, 2026
一下子()yīxiàzi(yi1xia4zi5)
一下子 is an adverbial phrase that means 'in a short while' or 'all at once.' It is often used to describe a sudden change or an action that happens quickly, conveying a sense of immediacy or urgency in various contexts.
Frequency#4858DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of suddenness is often highlighted in Chinese storytelling and folklore, where events can change dramatically in the blink of an eye, reflecting the unpredictability of life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a lightning bolt striking 'in a flash'—the character 一 ('one') signifies singularity or immediacy, while 下 ('down') suggests a sudden descent. Together, they evoke the image of something happening quickly and all at once.
Meanings of 一下子
yīxiàzi(yi1xia4zi5)
1in a short while
2all at once
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About 一下子
一下子Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 一下子
Podcast: 一下子
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AI Study Notes for 一下子
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a lightning bolt striking 'in a flash'—the character 一 ('one') signifies singularity or immediacy, while 下 ('down') suggests a sudden descent. Together, they evoke the image of something happening quickly and all at once.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 一下子 with just 一下, which means 'once' and lacks the same immediacy. It's typically used in informal contexts, but can also appear in spoken language in more formal situations. Common collocations include '一下子就' (all of a sudden) or '一下子就到了' (arrived suddenly).
HSK Study Tips
Although 一下子 is not specifically included in HSK vocabulary lists, it relates to HSK Level 2-3 concepts of time and action. Learners should focus on using it in sentences that describe sudden events or changes to enhance their fluency.
Cultural Note
The concept of suddenness is often highlighted in Chinese storytelling and folklore, where events can change dramatically in the blink of an eye, reflecting the unpredictability of life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 一下子 when describing gradual changes, mistakenly saying '一下子慢慢来' (suddenly slowly). The correct usage would be '慢慢来' (take it slowly) without 一下子.
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Pronunciation of 一下子
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The concept of suddenness is often highlighted in Chinese storytelling and folklore, where events can change dramatically in the blink of an eye, reflecting the unpredictability of life.
Frequently Asked Questions about 一下子
Some synonyms for 一下子 include 突然 (tūrán), which means 'suddenly,' and 一瞬间 (yī shùn jiān), meaning 'in an instant.' These alternatives can be used in similar contexts to convey the idea of something happening quickly or unexpectedly.
一下子 is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese. It is especially prevalent in conversational contexts, where expressing promptness or suddenness is important. Understanding its usage can enhance your fluency and comprehension.
一下子 (yī xià zi) means 'all at once' or 'in a short while.' It is often used to describe something that happens suddenly or unexpectedly. This phrase can be used in various contexts to indicate a quick action or an immediate result.
You can use 一下子 to describe actions that occur quickly or unexpectedly. For example, you can say, '他一下子就明白了' (tā yī xià zi jiù míng bái le), which means 'He understood all at once.' This phrase helps convey a sense of immediacy in your sentences.
While 一下子 is more common in spoken and informal contexts, it can still be acceptable in written form when conveying urgency.
It's mostly used for sudden actions or events; while it may overlap with similar adverbs, it carries a unique nuance of immediacy.
