Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Sudden" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "sudden", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
急
きゅう (kyū)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
急激
きゅうげき (kyūgeki)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "sudden" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 急 and 急激.
In Japanese, 急 (きゅう (kyū)) is typically associated with "sudden; urgent; steep" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents As a な-adjective.
On the other hand, 急激 (きゅうげき (kyūgeki)) maps to "sudden, drastic, rapid" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes a sudden and intense change or action. Often used with verbs like 変化する. A literal translation of "sudden" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "急"
急な坂道を上った。
I climbed a steep slope.
Bilingual Context for "急激"
気温が急激に下がったので、体調を崩しやすい。
The temperature dropped suddenly, so it's easy to get sick.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ な坂道を上った。" (Meaning: "I climbed a steep slope.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "急" fits here because it means "sudden; urgent; steep" in the context of: "I climbed a steep slope.". "急激" represents "sudden, drastic, rapid".