Meanings of 果然
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 果然
Podcast: 果然
Podcast: 果然
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 果然
果然 (guǒrán) vs 的确 (díquè) — use 果然 when confirming an expectation, while 的确 is more general for affirming truth.
Imagine a fruit tree (果) bearing fruit that you expected (然) to be ripe. The fruit represents your expectation, and when you pick it and find it ripe, you say '果然!' It's like saying, 'Sure enough, my guess was right!'
Learners often confuse 果然 with other similar words like 确实 (que4 shi2), which means 'indeed' or 'truly.' While both can express affirmation, 果然 emphasizes the surprise of a confirmation based on prior expectation. It is generally used in informal contexts.
As part of HSK Level 5, 果然 connects well with other adverbs and expressions of certainty or surprise, such as 真的 (zhen1 de) and 确实. Focus on using it in sentences to express when something turns out as expected.
In Chinese culture, the concept of expectation and confirmation is important, especially in social interactions where one’s predictions about behavior or events often reflect deeper cultural values, such as harmony and understanding.
Learners sometimes incorrectly say '果然' when they mean '确实.' For example, saying '果然' to agree with a fact rather than a prior expectation is incorrect; use '确实' instead.
Pronunciation of 果然
Drill the tone of 果然 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Component Characters
Write 果然
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 果然 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 果然
果然 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 4 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.
Complete the Sentence
天气预报说要下雨，你看____下了。
The weather forecast said it would rain, and sure enough it did.
Example Sentences for 果然 (3)
Cultural Notes for 果然
In Chinese culture, the concept of expectation and confirmation is important, especially in social interactions where one’s predictions about behavior or events often reflect deeper cultural values, such as harmony and understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about 果然
Use 果然 when you want to express that something has happened as you expected. 真的 is more general for affirming truth.