Translation guide
Describes something that lasts for only a very short time; fleeting, transient, instantaneous.
To describe an action, state, or feeling that occurs for an extremely brief period.
The most common and direct way to say 'momentary'. Used as an adjective before nouns.
It was a momentary event.
There was a momentary silence.
More formal or technical, often used for instantaneous phenomena.
A momentary decision is required.
Literary or poetic nuance, emphasizing the fleeting nature of a moment.
It was a momentary happiness.
To describe an action happening for a very short time.
To describe a brief failure of attention, memory, or function.
一瞬 (isshun) is more common in everyday speech for 'a moment'. 瞬間 (shunkan) is slightly more formal and often used in technical contexts. Both can be used with の to form adjectives.
a momentary event
a momentary judgment
There was a momentary pause.
I felt a momentary pang of regret.
Our eyes met momentarily.
My mind went momentarily blank.