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
忽ち
たちまち (tachimachi)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "instantly" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between たちまち and 忽ち.
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, 忽ち (たちまち (tachimachi)) maps to "instantly; in a moment; suddenly; immediately" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Indicates something happening very quickly or suddenly, almost without any time passing. 非常に短い時間で物事が起こる、瞬く間に変化する様子を表します。. 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 "忽ち"
彼の言葉に、それまで騒がしかった会場が忽ち静まり返った。
At his words, the noisy venue instantly fell silent.
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.". "忽ち" represents "instantly; in a moment; suddenly; immediately".