Time: surprise

急に

急きゅうに means that something happened unexpectedly or quickly.

Example

急に電車が現あらわれた。 A train suddenly appeared.

ふと

This means “suddenly”, “unexpectedly”, “unintentionally”. Emphasis is on the lack of intention.

Example

ふと通とおりに１０００円を見みつけた。 I found 1000 yen on the street by chance.

いきなり

Means “suddenly”. Used before a phrase containing an action. It implies something that is more surprising than with 急に, puts more emotion into it.

Examples

いきなり雨あめが降ふってきた。 It suddenly started raining.

たとたん

Means “just as”. Used for an action that happens just at the moment something else occurs. Can convey a nuance of something unexpected or surprising. Used with verbs in the past form (た).

Example

部屋へやを掃除そうじしたとたん、うちの猫ねこが吐はいてしまった。 As soon as I cleaned my room, my cat vomited.