突然

とつぜん

abruptly, suddenly, unexpectedly

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Usage of 突然

The adverb 突然 (tūrán) is used to describe events or actions that happen unexpectedly or abruptly. It often appears at the beginning or middle of a sentence to emphasize the suddenness of the situation.

Common contexts

It is frequently used in everyday conversation to describe sudden changes in weather, health, emotions, or events, such as 突然下雨 (suddenly raining) or 突然生气 (suddenly angry).

Collocations and patterns

Nuances

Using 突然 implies no prior warning or expectation. It differs from words like 马上 (immediately) which focus on quickness rather than unexpectedness.

Common confusion

Do not confuse 突然 with 忽然, which is more literary and less common in spoken language. 突然 is more natural in daily conversation.

Example Sentences

He suddenly got sick and didn't come to work.

Halfway through the meeting, the power suddenly went out.

I suddenly remembered that today is his birthday, so I quickly bought a