Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Just" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "just", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
途端に
とたんに (totan ni)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
矢先
やさき (yasaki)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "just" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 途端に and 矢先.
In Japanese, 途端に (とたんに (totan ni)) is typically associated with "just as, the moment (suddenly)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Expresses that something unexpected happened immediately after an action. Often used with a verb in the past tense.
On the other hand, 矢先 (やさき (yasaki)) maps to "just about to (do something), on the verge of, right after" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Indicates a very precise moment, usually just before or right after an event. Often used with a verb in dictionary form + の. A literal translation of "just" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "途端に"
ドアを開けた途端に、猫が飛び出してきた。
The moment I opened the door, the cat jumped out.
Bilingual Context for "矢先"
家を出ようとした矢先に電話が鳴った。
Just as I was about to leave the house, the phone rang.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "ドアを開けた ＿＿＿ 、猫が飛び出してきた。" (Meaning: "The moment I opened the door, the cat jumped out.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "途端に" fits here because it means "just as, the moment (suddenly)" in the context of: "The moment I opened the door, the cat jumped out.". "矢先" represents "just about to (do something), on the verge of, right after".