公然

gōngrán

adverb HSK 7-9 #12,225

Meanings

1 openly
2 brazenly
3 in public

Characters

so; like that (adverb suffix)

Examples

他公然违反规定。

Tā gōngrán wéifǎn guīdìng.

He openly violated the regulations.

他们公然挑战法律。

Tāmen gōngrán tiǎozhàn fǎlǜ.

They brazenly challenged the law.

Tips

usage

公然 carries a negative connotation — doing something bold/shameless in the open. You wouldn't say 他公然帮助别人 (he openly helped others). Use 公开 for neutral "openly".

Stroke Order

公 gōng

然 rán