Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Instantly" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "instantly", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
たちまち
たちまち (tachimachi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
咄嗟に
とっさに (tossani)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "instantly" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between たちまち and 咄嗟に.
In Japanese, たちまち (たちまち (tachimachi)) is typically associated with "instantly; in a moment; at once; suddenly" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Expresses that something happened very quickly, almost immediately. Often used for sudden changes or rapid progression..
On the other hand, 咄嗟に (とっさに (tossani)) maps to "instantly, in a flash, momentarily" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes an action or reaction that happens very quickly and spontaneously, often in response to an unexpected event or danger.. A literal translation of "instantly" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "たちまち"
雨が降り出すと、たちまち道路は水浸しになった。
As soon as it started raining, the road instantly became flooded.
Bilingual Context for "咄嗟に"
咄嗟に身をかわして危険を免れた。
He dodged instantly and escaped danger.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "雨が降り出すと、 ＿＿＿ 道路は水浸しになった。" (Meaning: "As soon as it started raining, the road instantly became flooded.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "たちまち" fits here because it means "instantly; in a moment; at once; suddenly" in the context of: "As soon as it started raining, the road instantly became flooded.". "咄嗟に" represents "instantly, in a flash, momentarily".