Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Moment" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "moment", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
いっしゅん
いっしゅん (isshun)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
途端に
とたんに (totan ni)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "moment" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between いっしゅん and 途端に.
In Japanese, いっしゅん (いっしゅん (isshun)) is typically associated with "a moment, an instant" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Emphasizes a very short period of time, like a blink of an eye. Can be used as an adverb.
On the other hand, 途端に (とたんに (totan ni)) maps to "the moment; just as; as soon as; no sooner than" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to express that something happened suddenly and immediately after another event. Often implies an unexpected or surprising result.. A literal translation of "moment" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "いっしゅん"
彼は一瞬でその問題を解いた。
He solved the problem in an instant.
Bilingual Context for "途端に"
彼はドアを開けた途端に、猫が飛び出してきた。
The moment he opened the door, the cat jumped out.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は一瞬でその問題を解いた。" (Meaning: "He solved the problem in an instant.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "いっしゅん" fits here because it means "a moment, an instant" in the context of: "He solved the problem in an instant.". "途端に" represents "the moment; just as; as soon as; no sooner than".