刹那(せつな)

せつな
noun
moment; instant; split second
formalliterarytime-general
1. moment; instant; split second
An extremely brief moment in time. Originally a Buddhist term for the shortest possible unit of time. Used in literary and dramatic contexts to describe a fleeting instant, often at a critical or climactic point.
その刹那(せつな)、稲妻(いなずま)が走(はし)った。
At that very instant, lightning flashed.
目(め)が合(あ)った刹那(せつな)、心臓(しんぞう)が高鳴(たかな)った。
The moment our eyes met, my heart began to race.
爆発(ばくはつ)の刹那(せつな)、彼(かれ)は地面(じめん)に伏(ふ)せて難(なん)を逃(のが)れた。
At the instant of the explosion, he threw himself to the ground and escaped harm.

Usage

刹那(せつな) is literary and dramatic. It typically appears in the pattern その刹那(せつな) (at that very instant) or ～の刹那(せつな) (at the moment of ~). Not used in everyday casual conversation — 瞬間(しゅんかん) is the neutral equivalent.

Common patterns

Similar words

瞬間(しゅんかん) (moment/instant) is the standard, neutral word for a brief moment. 刹那(せつな) is more literary and carries a sense of dramatic tension. 刹那(せつな)的(てき) (momentary, living for the moment) is a common derivative.

Related Words

Compare: 瞬間(しゅんかん) (moment/instant)
general
Added 2026.3.7 19:06 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
15500/15537_setsuna