唐突(とうとつ)に

とうとつに
adverb
abruptly; suddenly; out of the blue
1. abruptly; suddenly; out of the blue
Describes something happening without warning or preparation, often with an implication that the action is unexpected, rude, or jarring to others.
彼(かれ)は唐突(とうとつ)に立(た)ち上(あ)がった。
He stood up abruptly.
唐突(とうとつ)な質問(しつもん)で申(もう)し訳(わけ)ありません。
I'm sorry for the sudden question.
会議(かいぎ)の途中(とちゅう)で唐突(とうとつ)に話題(わだい)を変(か)えられて、みんな戸惑(とまど)った。
Everyone was confused when the topic was abruptly changed in the middle of the meeting.

Conveys not just suddenness but often inappropriateness or social awkwardness — doing something without proper buildup or context. Frequently used when someone's behavior catches others off guard in a way that feels slightly rude or out of place.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 唐突(とうとつ)な質問(しつもん): an abrupt question
  • 唐突(とうとつ)な訪問(ほうもん): an unexpected visit
  • 唐突(とうとつ)な発言(はつげん): an out-of-the-blue remark
  • 唐突(とうとつ)に聞(き)く: to ask out of nowhere

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 突然(とつぜん): suddenly — neutral; emphasizes unexpectedness without the nuance of social awkwardness
  • 不意(ふい)に: unexpectedly — emphasizes being caught unprepared
  • 急(きゅう)に: suddenly; quickly — the most common and casual option, also covers physical speed changes
general
Added 2026.5.6 1:11
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