Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Sudden" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "sudden", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
急病
きゅうびょう (kyūbyō)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
俄か
にわか (niwaka)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "sudden" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 急病 and 俄か.
In Japanese, 急病 (きゅうびょう (kyūbyō)) is typically associated with "sudden illness, sudden sickness" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to an illness that comes on suddenly and often requires immediate attention..
On the other hand, 俄か (にわか (niwaka)) maps to "sudden, abrupt, unexpected; temporary, makeshift; superficial, amateurish" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Can mean 'sudden/abrupt' or 'temporary/superficial.' Often seen in expressions like 俄か雨. A literal translation of "sudden" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "急病"
彼は急病で会社を休みました。
He took a day off from work due to a sudden illness.
Bilingual Context for "俄か"
俄かには信じがたいが、それは事実らしい。
It's hard to believe suddenly, but it seems to be true.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は ＿＿＿ で会社を休みました。" (Meaning: "He took a day off from work due to a sudden illness.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "急病" fits here because it means "sudden illness, sudden sickness" in the context of: "He took a day off from work due to a sudden illness.". "俄か" represents "sudden, abrupt, unexpected; temporary, makeshift; superficial, amateurish".