Suddenly and unexpectedly, describing an event that happens without any prior warning.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe something happening without warning.
- Works with both positive and negative unexpected events.
- Commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese.
Overview
- 1概要：「突然」は、物事が前触れもなく、急に発生する様子を表す副詞です。予期せぬ出来事に対して驚きや唐突さを強調する際に用いられます。2) 使用パターン：文中で動詞を修飾し、「突然～する」「突然～になる」という形で使われます。また、文頭に置いて「突然、～」と強調することもあります。3) 一般的な文脈：天候の急変、人との予期せぬ再会、驚くようなニュースなど、ポジティブ・ネガティブ問わず、予想外の事態に対して広く使われます。4) 類語比較：「急に（きゅうに）」は動作の速さを強調し、「突然」は予期せぬ度合いを強調します。「いきなり」はより口語的で、少し乱暴なニュアンスや、脈絡なく始まる様子を指すことが多いです。
Examples
突然、電話が鳴った。
everydayThe phone rang suddenly.
突然の訪問で申し訳ありません。
formalI apologize for the sudden visit.
彼が突然笑い出した。
informalHe suddenly started laughing.
気候が突然変化した。
academicThe climate changed suddenly.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
突然ですが
Excuse me for the sudden interruption/request
突然のことで
Due to the suddenness of the event
Often Confused With
Focuses more on the speed of the action. It is more versatile in casual speech.
Very informal and implies a lack of preparation or manners. Avoid in formal writing.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'totsuzen' for both formal and informal situations. It is the safest choice when you want to describe an unexpected event. 'Totsujo' is a more formal, written-only version of this word.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'ikinari' in formal business emails, which can sound unprofessional. Remember that 'totsuzen' is the standard formal term. Also, do not forget to add 'no' when connecting it to a noun.
Tips
Use with verbs of change
Combine 'totsuzen' with verbs like 'kawaru' (change) or 'ochiru' (fall) to emphasize the dramatic shift in situation. It adds a sense of surprise to the narrative.
Avoid informal contexts with 'ikinari'
While 'ikinari' is common in casual speech, it can sound rude in formal settings. Always use 'totsuzen' when speaking to superiors or in professional writing.
Japanese love for surprise
Japanese culture often values subtle preparation, so 'totsuzen' events are frequently highlighted in stories and news to emphasize the impact on daily life.
Word Origin
The word is composed of 'totsu' (sudden/abrupt) and 'zen' (state/manner). It originates from classical Chinese characters meaning 'to rush out'.
Cultural Context
The concept of 'totsuzen' is frequently used in Japanese media to build suspense. It highlights the vulnerability of people when their routine is broken.
Memory Tip
Think of 'totsuzen' as a 'total zen' moment being interrupted. A sudden noise breaks your peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「急に」はスピードが速いことにも重点を置きますが、「突然」は「予想していなかった」という驚きのニュアンスが強いです。どちらも置き換え可能な場面が多いですが、心理的な衝撃がある場合は「突然」が好まれます。
「いきなり」は口語的で、「前触れなく唐突に」というニュアンスが強く、少し乱暴に聞こえることがあります。ビジネスシーンでは「突然」を使うのが無難です。
はい、文頭に置いて「突然、雨が降ってきた」のように使うことで、その事態をより強調することができます。また、名詞を修飾する際は「突然の雨」のように「の」を挟みます。
はい、「突然のプレゼントに驚いた」のように、ポジティブなサプライズに対しても使うことができます。
Test Yourself
空が暗くなり、___雨が降り出した。
雨が予兆なく降り出したため、「突然」が最も適しています。
Score: /1
Summary
Suddenly and unexpectedly, describing an event that happens without any prior warning.
- Used to describe something happening without warning.
- Works with both positive and negative unexpected events.
- Commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese.
Use with verbs of change
Combine 'totsuzen' with verbs like 'kawaru' (change) or 'ochiru' (fall) to emphasize the dramatic shift in situation. It adds a sense of surprise to the narrative.
Avoid informal contexts with 'ikinari'
While 'ikinari' is common in casual speech, it can sound rude in formal settings. Always use 'totsuzen' when speaking to superiors or in professional writing.
Japanese love for surprise
Japanese culture often values subtle preparation, so 'totsuzen' events are frequently highlighted in stories and news to emphasize the impact on daily life.
Examples
4 of 4突然、電話が鳴った。
The phone rang suddenly.
突然の訪問で申し訳ありません。
I apologize for the sudden visit.
彼が突然笑い出した。
He suddenly started laughing.
気候が突然変化した。
The climate changed suddenly.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More general words
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2A little; a moment; a bit. Small amount or short time.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2A little while ago; a short time past.
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
