Definitions
(adverb)
suddenly; abruptly
(adverb)
at first
Etymology
Pictograph of a blade for cutting trees. Original form of 柞. The current meaning is a phonetic loan.
About
The character "乍" conceptually originated from early depictions of an action's commencement, often associated with cutting or crafting, and its structure, built from a few strokes, has remained visually stable, suggesting a hand or tool in motion. Etymologically, it derived from the general sense of "to do" or "to make", which over time narrowed to express temporal ideas, particularly abruptness or the initial moment of an occurrence. This semantic shift is observable in classical usage where it functioned as an adverb denoting "suddenly" or "at first", and in modern contexts, it continues in similar adverbial roles, frequently appearing in compounds that emphasize immediacy or inception, reflecting a transition from a broad verbal meaning to a specific modifier of time and manner.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我乍一看很惊讶。
他乍听到这件事很震惊。
天气乍变让人不适。
乍到新环境她有点紧张。
消息乍传大家都很惊讶。
他乍一见面就喜欢上了她。
乍听噩耗他晕倒了。
乍看简单的问题往往复杂。