Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Suddenly" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "suddenly", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
突然
とつぜん (totsuzen)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
いきなり
いきなり (ikinari)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "suddenly" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 突然 and いきなり.
In Japanese, 突然 (とつぜん (totsuzen)) is typically associated with "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.
On the other hand, いきなり (いきなり (ikinari)) maps to "suddenly, all of a sudden" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Expresses something happening abruptly or without warning. Often implies a surprise or unexpectedness.. A literal translation of "suddenly" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "突然"
突然、雨が降り始めた。
Suddenly, it started to rain.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 、雨が降り始めた。" (Meaning: "Suddenly, it started to rain.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "突然" fits here because it means "suddenly, unexpectedly" in the context of: "Suddenly, it started to rain.". "いきなり" represents "suddenly, all of a sudden".