Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Suddenly" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "suddenly", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
急に
きゅうに (kyūni)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
突然
とつぜん (totsuzen)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "suddenly" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 急に and 突然.
In Japanese, 急に (きゅうに (kyūni)) is typically associated with "suddenly" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Adverb. Indicates an unexpected, abrupt, or rapid change or occurrence. It often expresses a surprise or sudden shift in situation..
On the other hand, 突然 (とつぜん (totsuzen)) maps to "suddenly, unexpectedly" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used to describe something that happens quickly and without warning. Can be used as an adverb or with 「の」 as an adjective. A literal translation of "suddenly" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "急に"
道で急に犬が飛び出してきたので驚いた。
I was surprised because a dog suddenly jumped out onto the road.
Bilingual Context for "突然"
突然、雨が降り始めた。
Suddenly, it started to rain.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "道で ＿＿＿ 犬が飛び出してきたので驚いた。" (Meaning: "I was surprised because a dog suddenly jumped out onto the road.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "急に" fits here because it means "suddenly" in the context of: "I was surprised because a dog suddenly jumped out onto the road.". "突然" represents "suddenly, unexpectedly".