突然
totsuzen[to̞t͡sɨzẽ̞ɴ]
The English word 'abruptly' is translated into Japanese as 突然 (totsuzen).
突然 is used to describe events that happen without warning, such as a sudden change in weather or a sudden arrival.
Meaning: in an abrupt manner (adv)
Which one should you use?
For a more literary and formal version, often found in written news reports or literature, you can use 突如.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the particle に to 突然 makes it function more explicitly as an adverb in a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
totsuzen
Did you know?
- In Japanese, saying 突然ですが ('abruptly speaking…') is a standard polite formula used to introduce a topic that has no connection to the previous conversation.
- While 突然 means 'suddenly', the kanji 突 describes a physical action of pushing or thrusting forward. The word literally evokes the image of something bursting through a barrier.
- While 突然 describes a sudden event, if you want to describe a person's sudden, blunt, or rude change in attitude, Japanese speakers often use the word ぶっきらぼう, which has a completely different phonetic texture.
Examples in context
- 彼は急に席を立ってしまいました。He abruptly stood up and left.
- 社長が突然に話を中断しました。The president abruptly interrupted the conversation.
- 彼はいきなり家にやってきた！He suddenly showed up at my house!
- 彼は予告なく退室しました。He left the room without any notice.
- 総会は突如中止されました。The meeting was suddenly canceled.
- 突然、雨が降り出しました。Totsuzen, ame ga furidashimashita.Suddenly, it started to rain.
- 突然、彼が部屋を出て行った。Totsuzen, kare ga heya o dete itta.He abruptly left the room.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a sudden change in weather during a walk.
- 陽葵 Himari突然、風が強くなったね。Totsuzen, kaze ga tsuyoku natta ne.The wind suddenly became strong, didn't it?
- 大翔 Hiroto本当だ。帰りましょう。Hontou da. Kaerimashou.You're right. Let's go home.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔君、傘は持ってる？Hiroki-kun, kasa wa motteru?Hiroki, do you have an umbrella?
- 大翔 Hirotoいや、持ってないよ。Iya, motte nai yo.No, I don't have one.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 突然, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
