Translation and Meaning of: 突然 - totsuzen

The Japanese word 「突然」 (totsuzen) is used to describe something that happens unexpectedly or suddenly. The composition of the term is quite enlightening when analyzed etymologically. The first kanji 「突」 (totsu) means "to collide" or "to attack," and the second kanji 「然」 (zen) denotes a state of being or a mode of being, often translated as "such" or "so." Together, they convey the idea of something that arrives abruptly or without prior notice, like an event that impacts suddenly.

The origin of the use of this word is ancient and has its roots in the literary traditions and oral practices of Japan. 「突然」 is often employed in literature, poetry, and daily conversation to describe events that occur without premeditation, surprising the people involved. Due to the unexpected and often dramatic nature of what is described by this expression, it is common to find it in narratives that seek to create tension or suspense.

In everyday context, this expression is used in various situations, such as sudden changes in weather, unexpected encounters, or even when describing sudden emotions. Over time, other forms of expression have derived from this same sense of unpredictability, all sharing the etymological root of the concept. This highlights how the Japanese language can encapsulate complex emotional and situational nuances in specific and succinct terms.

It is interesting to note the way words like 「突然」 reflect cultural aspects of how Japanese people perceive and deal with the unexpected. In a society often seen as valuing order and predictability, the recognition of the sudden and the unforeseen through a rich vocabulary highlights a cultural balance between structure and chaos. Thus, 「突然」 is not just a word, but part of a broader understanding of life and its uncertainties.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 急に (Kyuu ni) - Suddenly, unexpectedly; usually used to describe a quick or unexpected change.
• 不意に (Fui ni) - Unexpectedly; emphasizes the lack of prior notice, often associated with surprises.
• いきなり (Ikinaru) - Suddenly; suggests a direct impact, often without transition or preparation.

突然

Romaji: totsuzen
Kana: とつぜん
Type: adverb
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: abruptamente; de ​​repente; tudo de uma vez

Meaning in English: abruptly;suddenly;all at once

Definition: something that happens suddenly. To appear without prior notice.

Example Sentences - (突然) totsuzen

See below some example sentences:

彼女の声が突然跡切れた。

Kanojo no koe ga totsuzen atogireru

Her voice suddenly disappeared.

His voice was suddenly cut off.

• 彼女の - "of the girlfriend"
• 声が - "the voice"
• 突然 - "suddenly"
• 跡切れた - "stopped abruptly"

彼女は突然現われた。

Kanojo wa totsuzen arawareta

She appeared suddenly.

She suddenly appeared.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• は (wa) - topic particle in Japanese, used to indicate the subject of the sentence
• 突然 (totsuzen) - adverb meaning "suddenly" or "suddenly"
• 現われた (arawata) - verb meaning "appeared" or "arose"

彼女は突然部屋から飛び出した。

Kanojo wa totsuzen heya kara tobidashta

She ran out of the room suddenly.

Suddenly, she jumped out of the room.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• 突然 (totsuzen) - adverb meaning "suddenly" in Japanese
• 部屋 (heya) - means "room" in Japanese
• から (kara) - particle indicating origin or starting point in Japanese
• 飛び出した (tobidashita) - verb meaning "jumped" or "ran" in Japanese