ふと

ふと
adverb
suddenly; unexpectedly
1. suddenly; unexpectedly
Something happening or coming to mind without planning or intention.
ふと窓(まど)の外(そと)を見(み)た。
I suddenly looked out the window.
ふと昔(むかし)のことを思(おも)い出(だ)した。
A memory from the past suddenly came to me.
ふと気(き)がつくと、もう夜(よる)だった。
Before I knew it, it was already night.
ふと空(そら)を見上(みあ)げた。
I suddenly looked up at the sky.
ふと疑問(ぎもん)に思(おも)った。
I suddenly wondered about it.
ふと彼女(かのじょ)のことを考(かんが)えた。
I suddenly thought about her.
ふと目(め)を覚(さ)ました。
I suddenly woke up.
2. by chance; accidentally
Something occurring incidentally without deliberate action.
ふと見(み)ると、猫(ねこ)がいた。
When I happened to look, there was a cat.
ふと本屋(ほんや)に立(た)ち寄(よ)った。
I happened to stop by the bookstore.
ふと出会(であ)った人(ひと)だった。
It was someone I met by chance.

ふと describes sudden, unintentional actions or realizations.

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • ふと見(み)る/ふと見(み)ると (suddenly looking; as I happened to look)
  • ふと思(おも)う (to suddenly think)
  • ふと思(おも)い出(だ)す (to suddenly remember)
  • ふと気(き)がつく (to suddenly notice/realize)

NUANCE:

  • Implies the action was not planned or deliberate
  • Often used for moments of reflection or realization
  • Suggests a brief, fleeting quality

SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:

  • 突然(とつぜん): suddenly (more dramatic, external events)
  • 急(きゅう)に: suddenly (more abrupt)
  • たまたま: by chance (for coincidences)

ふと is gentler and more introspective than 突然(とつぜん), often describing internal experiences like thoughts or glances.

Related Words

Contrast: 突然(とつぜん) (suddenly (dramatic))
Related: 偶々(たまたま) (by chance)
core
Added 2026.1.13 12:14 · Revised 2026.2.2 21:09
00000/00048_futo