Adverb 果然 (guǒrán): Sure enough / Just as expected

Pattern

• Clause 1，(Subject) + 果然 + Verb phrase/Adjective

Usage

• 果然 means "sure enough / just as expected".
• It is used only when the first clause establishes a prior prediction, forecast, rumor, or guess (e.g., 天气预报说..., 我猜..., 听说...), and the second clause confirms that reality turned out just as predicted.
• It is the direct antonym of 竟然/居然 (which indicate an unexpected outcome).
• Also distinguish 果然 from 当然 ("of course / naturally"): 当然 states something self-evident by common sense, whereas 果然 requires a specific prior prediction that is then verified by facts.

Examples

1. 1

   天气预报说今天有雨，果然下雨了。

   Tiānqì yùbào shuō jīntiān yǒu yǔ, guǒrán xià yǔ le.

   The weather forecast said there would be rain today, and sure enough it rained.

2. 2

   我猜他不会来，果然他没来。

   Wǒ cāi tā bù huì lái, guǒrán tā méi lái.

   I guessed he wouldn't come, and sure enough he didn't come.

3. 3

   听说他汉语说得很好，今天一聊，果然名不虚传。

   Tīngshuō tā Hànyǔ shuō de hěn hǎo, jīntiān yī liáo, guǒrán míngbùxūchuán.

   I heard he speaks Chinese very well; after chatting today, his reputation is sure enough well-deserved.