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 originated from an early pictographic concept related to cutting or initiating an action, which established its initial verbal meanings of "to make" or "to begin". In its present form, it is a structurally integral character without separable components. Its semantic application gradually shifted from expressing the commencement of an action to serving as an adverb that indicates suddenness or a first-time occurrence, such as in terms like 乍现 (suddenly appear) or 乍暖还寒 (cold after a sudden warm spell).
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。