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.
一瞬の出来事だった。
It was a momentary event.
一瞬の沈黙があった。
There was a momentary silence.
To describe an action happening for a very short time.
To describe a brief failure of attention, memory, or function.
Literally 'a momentary gap', used for a brief opening or lapse in attention.
一瞬の隙も見せなかった。
He didn't show even a momentary lapse.
一瞬の間があった。
There was a momentary pause.
一瞬、後悔の念がよぎった。
I felt a momentary pang of regret.
More formal or technical, often used for instantaneous phenomena.
瞬間的な判断が求められる。
A momentary decision is required.
Literary or poetic nuance, emphasizing the fleeting nature of a moment.
束の間の幸せだった。
It was a momentary happiness.
Used as an adverb meaning 'for a moment'. Often with だけ or の間.
彼は一瞬ためらった。
He hesitated momentarily.
一瞬だけ目が合った。
Our eyes met momentarily.
Casual way to say 'for a short while', 'momentarily'.
ちょっとの間、目を閉じた。
I closed my eyes momentarily.
Used for a momentary blank in memory or thought.
頭が瞬間的な空白になった。
My mind went momentarily blank.