唐突(とうとつ)に

とうとつに
adverb, na-adjective
abruptly; suddenly; out of the blue
formaltime-general
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

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

Related Words

Compare: 突然(とつぜん) (suddenly)
Compare: 不意(ふい)に (unexpectedly)
Compare: 急(きゅう)に (suddenly)
Compare: 突然(とつぜん)に (suddenly)
general
Added 2026.5.6 1:11 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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