束(つか)の間(ま)

つかのま
noun
brief moment, fleeting instant
literarytime-general
1. brief moment, fleeting instant
A very short period of time. Emphasizes the transience or brevity of an experience, often with a poignant or wistful nuance.
束(つか)の間(ま)の休息(きゅうそく)だった。
It was a brief moment of rest.
雨(あめ)が止(や)んで、束(つか)の間(ま)の晴(は)れ間(ま)が広(ひろ)がった。
The rain stopped, and a brief clearing spread across the sky.
束(つか)の間(ま)の幸(しあわ)せだったが、あの時間(じかん)は忘(わす)れられない。
It was a fleeting happiness, but I can never forget that time.

Usage

Typically used as a noun modifier with the の particle: 束(つか)の間(ま)の + noun. Carries a literary, slightly melancholy tone — the happiness or peace described is precious precisely because it is so short. Common in written prose and narration.

Common collocations

Etymology

束(つか) originally referred to the width of a clenched fist (about 7-8 cm), used as a unit of measurement. 束(つか)の間(ま) literally means "the space of a fist" — metaphorically, an extremely short time.

Related Words

Compare: ひととき (a moment, a while, a brief time)
general
Added 2026.2.22 21:39 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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