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.
The game was canceled due to an abrupt rain.
He abruptly quit his job.
Very common in spoken Japanese. Emphasizes the quickness or suddenness of a change.
It got cold all of a sudden, didn't it?
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.
I don't know what to do when you say something so abrupt.
He came into the room abruptly.
Literary or formal word for 'unexpectedly' or 'abruptly'. Often used in written narratives.
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.
His abrupt way of speaking rubbed me the wrong way.
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.
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.
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.
I was surprised by the abrupt visitor.
It abruptly started raining.
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.
He is an abrupt person.
The clerk's manner was abrupt.
彼女はそっけなく「いいえ」と言った。
She said 'no' abruptly.
I got an abrupt reply.
唐突な質問ですみません。
Sorry for the abrupt question.
The conversation came to an abrupt end.
I was treated in an abrupt manner.
This road has an abrupt incline, so be careful.