Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Instantly" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "instantly", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
咄嗟に
とっさに (tossani)
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 咄嗟に and 忽ち.
In Japanese, 咄嗟に (とっさに (tossani)) is typically associated with "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..
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 "咄嗟に"
咄嗟に身をかわして危険を免れた。
He dodged instantly and escaped danger.
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: " ＿＿＿ 身をかわして危険を免れた。" (Meaning: "He dodged instantly and escaped danger.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "咄嗟に" fits here because it means "instantly, in a flash, momentarily" in the context of: "He dodged instantly and escaped danger.". "忽ち" represents "instantly; in a moment; suddenly; immediately".