突然(とつぜん)

とつぜん
adverb, no-adjective
suddenly, unexpectedly, abruptly
1. suddenly, unexpectedly, abruptly
Happening without warning or preparation; all at once.
突然(とつぜん)雨(あめ)が降(ふ)り出(だ)した。
It suddenly started to rain.
突然(とつぜん)の訪問(ほうもん)で驚(おどろ)いた。
I was surprised by the unexpected visit.
彼(かれ)は突然(とつぜん)会社(かいしゃ)を辞(や)めた。
He suddenly quit the company.

突然(とつぜん) means 'suddenly' and emphasizes that something happened without warning or expectation.

USAGE:

  • 突然(とつぜん) + verb: suddenly (adverb)
  • 突然(とつぜん)の + noun: sudden ~ (adjective-like)
  • 突然(とつぜん)ですが...: This may be sudden, but... (polite preface)

SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:

  • 急(きゅう)に: suddenly (neutral, often for changes)
  • いきなり: suddenly, abruptly (casual, often implies impoliteness)
  • ふと: suddenly, unexpectedly (for thoughts/realizations)
  • 不意(ふい)に: unexpectedly, by surprise (formal)

突然(とつぜん) is neutral-formal and works in most contexts. いきなり often suggests something rude or startling.

Related Words

Related: 急(きゅう)に (suddenly)
general
Added 2026.1.13 8:49 · Revised 2026.2.5 21:46
00000/00409_totsuzen