にわかに

にわかに
adverb
suddenly; abruptly; all at once
formal
1. suddenly; abruptly; all at once
Describes something happening unexpectedly and quickly, without warning or gradual buildup. Often used for weather changes, emotional shifts, or sudden developments.
空(そら)がにわかに暗(くら)くなった。
The sky suddenly darkened.
にわかに雨(あめ)が降(ふ)り出(だ)した。
It suddenly started raining.
経済(けいざい)情勢(じょうせい)がにわかに悪化(あっか)して、多(おお)くの企業(きぎょう)が影響(えいきょう)を受(う)けた。
The economic situation deteriorated suddenly, and many companies were affected.
2. readily; easily (with negative)
When used with a negative predicate, means 'not easily' or 'not readily.' Indicates that something is difficult to accept, believe, or accomplish.
にわかには信(しん)じがたい。
It's hard to believe.
そんな話(はなし)はにわかには受(う)け入(い)れられない。
I can't readily accept such a story.
長年(ながねん)の習慣(しゅうかん)はにわかには変(か)えられないものだ。
Long-standing habits cannot easily be changed.

Can also be written in kanji as 俄(にわか)に, though the kana form is more common in modern writing. The related noun にわか (sudden) appears in compounds like にわか雨(あめ) (sudden shower). The word has a somewhat literary or formal tone compared to 急(きゅう)に.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 急(きゅう)に: suddenly — most common everyday word for 'suddenly'; less literary
  • 突然(とつぜん): suddenly, unexpectedly — emphasizes the unexpected nature; dramatic
  • いきなり: abruptly, without warning — colloquial; emphasizes doing something without preamble

Related Words

Compare: 急(きゅう)に (suddenly)
Compare: 突然(とつぜん) (suddenly, unexpectedly)
Compare: いきなり (abruptly, without warning)
Compare: 俄然(がぜん) (suddenly)
general
Added 2026.5.6 21:23 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
26500/26979_niwakani