1.
just then; at that very moment; as it happened; coincidentally at that time
Indicates that something happened at precisely the right (or notable) moment, often by coincidence. Emphasizes the timing of an event as particularly apt or striking.
折しも雨が降り出した。
Just then, it started to rain.
折しも桜が満開の時期だった。
As it happened, it was the season when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom.
出かけようとしたら、折しも旧友から電話がかかってきた。
Just as I was about to go out, an old friend happened to call.
折 means 'occasion' or 'moment,' and しも is an emphatic particle meaning 'precisely' or 'just.' Together they highlight a striking coincidence in timing.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 折しも〜の時期だった — it happened to be the season of...
- 折しも〜が始まった — just then ... began
- 折しも通りかかった — happened to be passing by just then
USAGE:
A literary adverb used mainly in written Japanese and formal narration. It adds a sense of dramatic timing or fortunate (or unfortunate) coincidence. Rarely used in casual conversation.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- ちょうどそのとき — just at that moment (neutral, conversational)
- たまたま — by chance, coincidentally (casual; focuses on randomness rather than timing)
- あいにく — unfortunately (overlaps when the coincidence is negative)