Meaning and Usage
"とっさに" is an adverb used to describe an action taken immediately or instinctively in response to a sudden situation. It often implies a quick reflex or spontaneous reaction without much thought.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "とっさに" in situations involving sudden danger, surprise, or when someone must react quickly, such as braking a car, dodging something, or responding to unexpected questions.
Collocations and Patterns
- とっさに〜する: to do something instantly or reflexively
- とっさの判断: an instant decision
- とっさに言葉が出ない: unable to speak immediately
Register and Nuance
"とっさに" is neutral and commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese. It conveys immediacy and instinctiveness without implying hesitation or delay.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "とっさに" with "すぐに" (immediately) or "急に" (suddenly). While similar, "とっさに" emphasizes a reflexive or instinctive reaction rather than just timing.