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synonym Comparative
とっさに
VS
つかの間

Differences Between "とっさに" and "つかの間"

Option A
とっさに
Meaning
instantly, on the spur of the moment, reflexively
Reading
とっさに (tossani)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
ボールが飛んできたので、とっさに顔をそむけた。
A ball flew towards me, so I instinctively turned my face away.
Option B
つかの間
Meaning
a brief moment, a short while, a fleeting instant
Reading
つかのま (tsukanoma)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
激しい雨はつかの間にやんで、空に虹がかかった。
The heavy rain stopped for a brief moment, and a rainbow appeared in the sky.

Which one to use?

Select the correct Japanese word for this context

Which word fits this context: "(instantly, on the spur of the moment, reflexively)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- とっさに: Describes an action taken immediately and instinctively in response to an unexpected event or stimulus. (予期せぬ出来事や刺激に対し、瞬間的に、無意識に行動する様子を表す。)
- つかの間: Emphasizes the very short duration or transient nature of something. Often used with 'の' to modify a noun (e.g., つかの間の休息) or adverbially (つかの間、静かになった).
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