Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Suddenly, all of a sudden, unexpectedly: Used to describe an event or action that happens quickly and without warning.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Đang đi chơi, bất đồ trời đổ mưa. (As he was going for a walk, suddenly it started pouring.)
  • Mọi người đang yên tĩnh làm việc thì bất đồ có tiếng chuông reo. (Everyone was working quietly when all of a sudden the bell rang.)

Advanced Usage

• "bất đồ" is a literary and somewhat formal adverb. It is used to add a dramatic or narrative effect, emphasizing the surprise or abruptness of an event. It is more common in written Vietnamese than in casual conversation.

Variants and Related Words

• Bất chợt (adv): Suddenly, unexpectedly. This is a more common synonym.
  • Anh ấy bất chợt xuất hiện. (He appeared suddenly.)
• Bất ngờ (adj/adv): Surprising, surprisingly; unexpected, unexpectedly. Can function as an adjective or adverb.
  • Tin tức đó thật bất ngờ. (That news is truly surprising.)
  • Cô ấy đến thăm bất ngờ. (She visited unexpectedly.)
• Đột nhiên (adv): Suddenly, abruptly. Another common synonym.
  • Trời đột nhiên tối sầm lại. (The sky suddenly darkened.)

Synonyms

• Thình lình (adv): Suddenly, all at once.
• Phút chốc (adv): In an instant, in a flash (often for very quick changes).

Notes on Usage

• "Bất đồ" is not typically used to form compound words or phrasal verbs. Its usage is confined to its adverbial function.
• It is important to distinguish "bất đồ" from the more common "bất đồng", which is a completely different word meaning "disagreement" or "discord" (e.g., - difference of opinion).

1. Suddenly, all of a sudden, unexpectedly
   • đang đi chơi, bất đồ trời đổ mưa
     as he was going for a walk, suddenly it started pouring