Meaning and Usage
"突然" (とつぜん) means "suddenly" or "abruptly," and it is used to describe events or actions that happen unexpectedly without warning. It often emphasizes the surprise or shock of the moment.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see "突然" used with verbs describing actions or changes, such as "突然泣く" (to suddenly cry), "突然現れる" (to suddenly appear), or "突然止まる" (to suddenly stop).
Collocations and Patterns
- 突然 + verb (e.g., 突然話し始める): to suddenly start doing something
- 突然の + noun (e.g., 突然の知らせ): sudden news or announcement
- 突然に (adverbial form, less common but formal)
Register and Nuance
"突然" is neutral in politeness and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. It conveys a sense of immediacy and surprise but does not imply any judgment.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "突然" with "急に" (きゅうに), which also means "suddenly." While similar, "突然" often stresses the unexpectedness more strongly, whereas "急に" can also imply quickness or speed of change. Use "突然" when you want to highlight the surprise element.