What does 竟然 mean in Chinese?

竟然 (jìng rán) means "unexpectedly; to one's surprise; in spite of everything; in that crazy way; actually; to go as far as to" in Chinese. The new HSK exam tests it at HSK 4.

How do you pronounce 竟然?

竟然 is pronounced "jìng rán" in Mandarin Chinese. It is made up of 2 syllables.

What HSK level is 竟然?

竟然 is an HSK 4 word on the new HSK exam syllabus. It is HSK 4 on both the old and the new exam.

What characters make up 竟然?

竟然 is made up of the characters 竟, 然. Each character has its own meaning and can appear in other words.

How do you write 竟然?

You can practice writing 竟然 using our stroke order tool.

竟然 (jìng rán), unexpectedly

竟然

jìng rán

unexpectedly; to one's surprise; in spite of everything; in that crazy way

HSK 4verb

Characters in This Word

竟然

Definitions

(verb) unexpectedly
to one's surprise
in spite of everything
in that crazy way
actually
to go as far as to

Example Sentences

他竟然同意了。

Tā jìngrán tóngyì le

He unexpectedly agreed

Related Words

居然(jū rán)· unexpectedly

→

不料(bù liào)· unexpectedly

→

不期(bù qī)· unexpectedly

→

猛不防(měng bù fáng)· suddenly

→

Grammar Notes

Unexpectedly (竟然)HSK 4

Subject + 竟然 + Verb/Adjective

As Expected (果然)HSK 4

Subject + 果然 + Verb/Adjective

HSK levels

New HSK exam: HSK 4
HSK 2.0: HSK 4
HSK Lord study list: HSK 4 list

竟然: HSK 4 on both the old and the new exam. See where your old level lands

New exam levels follow the CLEC syllabus released 15 November 2025. The first official sitting is announced for 13 December 2026. HSK 7-9 is one advanced band.

On the new HSK 4 exam

Studying for HSK 4? Keep 竟然 with the rest of your level.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.