Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Moment" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "moment", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
瞬間
しゅんかん (shunkan)
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 瞬間 and 途端に.
In Japanese, 瞬間 (しゅんかん (shunkan)) is typically associated with "moment, instant" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Describes a very brief period of time or a specific point in time. Often used with の.
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 "瞬間"
その瞬間、会場は静まり返った。
At that moment, the venue fell silent.
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: "その ＿＿＿ 、会場は静まり返った。" (Meaning: "At that moment, the venue fell silent.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "瞬間" fits here because it means "moment, instant" in the context of: "At that moment, the venue fell silent.". "途端に" represents "the moment; just as; as soon as; no sooner than".