Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Suddenly" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "suddenly", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
いきなり
いきなり (ikinari)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
どっと
どっと (dotto)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "suddenly" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between いきなり and どっと.
In Japanese, いきなり (いきなり (ikinari)) is typically associated with "suddenly, all of a sudden" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Expresses something happening abruptly or without warning. Often implies a surprise or unexpectedness..
On the other hand, どっと (どっと (dotto)) maps to "suddenly, all at once, in a rush, in a flood" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes something happening suddenly and simultaneously involving many people or things, or a sudden, overwhelming feeling. Often associated with laughter, tears, or people rushing somewhere.. A literal translation of "suddenly" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "いきなり"
いきなり雨が降ってきたので、傘を持っていなくて困った。
It suddenly started raining, and I was in trouble because I didn't have an umbrella.
Bilingual Context for "どっと"
彼の冗談に、会場の全員がどっと笑った。
Everyone in the venue burst into laughter at his joke.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 雨が降ってきたので、傘を持っていなくて困った。" (Meaning: "It suddenly started raining, and I was in trouble because I didn't have an umbrella.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "いきなり" fits here because it means "suddenly, all of a sudden" in the context of: "It suddenly started raining, and I was in trouble because I didn't have an umbrella.". "どっと" represents "suddenly, all at once, in a rush, in a flood".