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
頓死
とんし (tonshi)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "sudden" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 急病 and 頓死.
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, 頓死 (とんし (tonshi)) maps to "sudden death; instantaneous death" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Refers to death that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly. Often used in medical or news contexts, or when describing the sudden death of animals or insects. It carries a sense of abruptness.. 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 "頓死"
その選手は試合中に心臓発作で頓死した。
The athlete died suddenly from a heart attack during the game.
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.". "頓死" represents "sudden death; instantaneous death".