HSK 2
不一会儿
bù yí huìr
不一会儿 (indicating a very short time)
Explanation
不一会儿 (bù yíhuìr) is a time phrase meaning "before long," "after a little while," describing a very short span of time.
(subject +) 不一会儿 (bù yíhuìr) + 就 (jiù) + verb + result. The character 就 (jiù) often accompanies it to emphasize "right away, at once." For example 不一会儿就做完了 = finished before long.
When you want to say something happens or is completed very quickly, after just a moment. It can stand at the start of the clause or after the subject (the doer, placed at the start of the sentence).
Vietnamese learners often forget the accompanying 就 (jiù); and they often drop the 儿 (r) at the end (writing 不一会) — you should keep 不一会儿 intact so it sounds natural in colloquial speech.
Examples
Today's homework I finished before long.
We walked to the bus stop, and before long, the bus came.
Practice
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Learn “不一会儿” effectively
The grammar point “不一会儿” (不一会儿 (indicating a very short time)) is one of the key structures at HSK 2. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
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