にわか

sudden, abrupt, unexpected

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 俄 (にわか) is used to describe something sudden, abrupt, or unexpected. It often appears in contexts involving sudden changes in weather, emotions, or events.

Common Collocations

  • 俄に (にわかに): suddenly, abruptly
  • 俄か雨 (にわかあめ): a sudden rain shower
  • 俄かに怒る (にわかにおこる): to suddenly get angry

Register and Nuance

This word is somewhat formal and often found in written or literary contexts, but it is also used in spoken Japanese to emphasize the suddenness of an event. It conveys a sense of immediacy and surprise.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 俄 with にわか as a standalone noun meaning "temporary" or "amateur," but in this usage, it strictly means "sudden." Pay attention to the context to avoid misunderstanding.

Example Sentences

にわかにそらがくらくなり、あめがふりはじめた。

Suddenly, the sky darkened and it started to rain.

かれはにわかにおこりだした。

He suddenly became angry.

にわかあめにそなえてかさをもっていったほうがいい。

You should take an umbrella in case of a sudden rain shower.