"next thing one knows" in Chinese (Simplified)

• 一转眼
• 突然之间

Definition

用来形容某事发生得非常突然，常常毫无预兆。

Usage Notes (Chinese (Simplified))

属于口语表达，常用在叙述故事时，描述事情突然发生。中文常用“一转眼”或“突然之间”表达这种感觉。

Examples

I was walking home, and next thing I know, it started raining hard.

我正走在回家的路上，**一转眼**就下起大雨了。

He was eating dinner, and next thing he knows, his phone rings.

他正在吃晚饭，**突然之间**手机响了。

We were watching TV, and next thing we know, it was midnight.

我们在看电视，**一转眼**就到午夜了。

The kids were playing outside, and next thing you know, they’re covered in mud.

孩子们在外面玩，**一转眼**就全身是泥了。

I was just checking my email, and next thing I know, an hour has passed.

我只是查了下邮件，**一转眼**就过去一个小时了。

You're talking with a friend, and next thing you know, you've been chatting for hours.

你在和朋友聊天，**突然之间**已经聊了几个小时了。