Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Moment" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "moment", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
途端に
とたんに (totan ni)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
一瞬
いっしゅん (isshun)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "moment" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 途端に and 一瞬.
In Japanese, 途端に (とたんに (totan ni)) is typically associated with "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..
On the other hand, 一瞬 (いっしゅん (isshun)) maps to "a moment, an instant" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Emphasizes a very short duration. Often used with verbs that imply a sudden or fleeting action or state.. A literal translation of "moment" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "一瞬"
雷が光ったのは本当に一瞬だった。
The lightning flashed for a truly fleeting moment.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼はドアを開けた ＿＿＿ 、猫が飛び出してきた。" (Meaning: "The moment he opened the door, the cat jumped out.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "途端に" fits here because it means "the moment; just as; as soon as; no sooner than" in the context of: "The moment he opened the door, the cat jumped out.". "一瞬" represents "a moment, an instant".