just about to; soon; presently
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesadverb
just about to; on the point of; soon
literaryA classical/literary term used to describe an action that is just about to happen or begin. It implies imminence and is not used in modern spoken Chinese.
Wú吾
fāng方
jiāng将
yuǎn远
xíng行
，
ér而
rǔ汝
hū忽
zhì至
。
I was just about to embark on a long journey when you suddenly arrived.
Dà大
jūn军
fāng方
jiāng将
dù渡
hé河
，
tiān天
hū忽
jiàng降
dà大
yǔ雨
。
The main army was just about to cross the river when heavy rain suddenly fell from the sky.
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Yàn宴
xí席
fāng方
jiāng将
kāi开
shǐ始
，
guì贵
kè客
biàn便
dào到
le了
。
The banquet was just about to begin when the distinguished guest arrived.