Translation guide
The English word 'abrupt' can describe sudden, unexpected events, actions, or changes, as well as speech or behavior that is curt or brusque. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these meanings, from common everyday words to more specific or formal terms.
Describing an event, change, or action that happens quickly and without warning.
The most common and versatile word for 'suddenly' or 'abruptly'. Can be used as an adverb or adjective.
突然の雨で試合が中止になった。
The game was canceled due to an abrupt rain.
彼は突然会社を辞めた。
He abruptly quit his job.
Very common in spoken Japanese. Emphasizes the quickness or suddenness of a change.
急に寒くなったね。
It got cold all of a sudden, didn't it?
彼は急に怒り出した。
He abruptly got angry.
Often implies something happening without any prior notice or buildup, sometimes with a nuance of being out of the blue or even rude.
いきなりそんなこと言われても困る。
I don't know what to do when you say something so abrupt.
彼はいきなり部屋に入ってきた。
He came into the room abruptly.
Literary or formal word for 'unexpectedly' or 'abruptly'. Often used in written narratives.
不意にドアが開いた。
The door opened abruptly.
Describing a person's way of speaking or behaving that is short, direct, and possibly rude.
Describes a blunt, curt manner of speaking or behaving, often perceived as unfriendly but not necessarily intentionally rude.
彼のぶっきらぼうな言い方が気に障った。
His abrupt way of speaking rubbed me the wrong way.
店員の対応がぶっきらぼうだった。
The clerk's manner was abrupt.
Means cold, curt, or dismissive. Often used when someone gives a short reply that seems uninterested.
Means abrupt or sudden, often used for remarks or actions that seem out of context or lacking introduction. Can describe both the suddenness and the lack of preamble.
Describes a very curt, blunt, and unfriendly manner. Stronger than ぶっきらぼう.
Describing a slope, cliff, or change in terrain that is very steep or sudden.
Common word for steep, rugged, or precipitous terrain. Can also mean severe or grim.
その山は険しい崖で知られている。
The mountain is known for its abrupt cliffs.
Specifically means a steep slope or gradient. Often used in technical or descriptive contexts.
Describes a cliff or wall that is sheer or precipitous, rising abruptly.
切り立った崖が海に迫っている。
Abrupt cliffs press close to the sea.
突然 (totsuzen) is the most neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. 急に (kyuu ni) is very common in daily conversation and emphasizes the speed of change. いきなり (ikinari) often carries a nuance of something happening without warning or preamble, and can sometimes imply a lack of consideration.
突然の来客に驚いた。
I was surprised by the abrupt visitor.
急に雨が降り出した。
It abruptly started raining.
いきなり部屋に入らないでください。
Please don't enter the room abruptly.
In English, you might say 'He is abrupt,' but in Japanese, you need to specify the manner or speech. Use ぶっきらぼうな人 or そっけない人 rather than trying to directly translate 'abrupt' as a personality trait.
彼はぶっきらぼうな人だ。
He is an abrupt person.
In English, you might say 'He is abrupt,' but in Japanese, you need to specify the manner or speech. Use ぶっきらぼうな人 or そっけない人 rather than trying to directly translate 'abrupt' as a personality trait.
彼はぶっきらぼうな人だ。
He is an abrupt person.
彼女はそっけなく「いいえ」と言った。
She said 'no' abruptly.
そっけない返事が返ってきた。
I got an abrupt reply.
唐突な質問ですみません。
Sorry for the abrupt question.
話が唐突に終わった。
The conversation came to an abrupt end.
I was treated in an abrupt manner.
この道は急勾配だから気をつけて。
This road has an abrupt incline, so be careful.