公然
gōng rán HSK 6

English Meaning

📚 Example Sentences

他公然违反规定。
Tā gōngrán wéifǎn guīdìng.
He openly violated the rules.
他们公然挑战权威。
Tāmen gōngrán tiǎozhàn quánwēi.
They brazenly challenged authority.
公司公然欺骗消费者。
Gōngsī gōngrán qīpiàn xiāofèizhě.
The company openly deceived consumers.
他公然说谎。
Tā gōngrán shuōhuǎng.
He lies openly.
她公然反对。
Tā gōngrán fǎnduì.
She opposes openly.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: 公 (gōng) means 'public' and 然 (rán) often indicates 'state' or 'manner.' Think: 'in a public manner' → doing something openly for all to see, usually something bad.

📝 Usage Notes

It is used in both written and spoken Chinese, typically in formal or serious contexts to criticize or highlight improper behavior. Common in news reports, legal descriptions, or expressions of moral outrage.

📖 Grammar Points

Used as an adverb before a verb to modify actions, e.g., '公然 + Verb' (公然挑战). Often appears with words indicating surprise or criticism, like 竟敢 (dare to) or 竟然 (unexpectedly).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, maintaining social harmony and face (面子) is important, so acting 公然 is seen as particularly disrespectful or provocative, as it openly challenges norms or authority.

🔄 Similar Words

公开 (gōngkāi) also means 'openly' or 'publicly' but is neutral and can refer to legitimate actions like '公开信息' (disclose information). 公然 emphasizes the brazen, often offensive nature of the act.

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