Translation guide
Expresses an abrupt shift in state, condition, or situation. Japanese often uses specific verbs, adverbs, or compound nouns depending on what changes and how dramatic the change is.
Describing a sudden, often unexpected change in circumstances, weather, mood, etc.
Noun/suru-verb meaning a sudden, drastic change, often used for weather, situations, or medical conditions.
Common adverbial phrase meaning 'to change suddenly'. Versatile and natural in casual speech.
彼の態度が急に変わった。
His attitude suddenly changed.
Noun/suru-verb meaning a complete or sudden change, often implying a reversal or transformation.
状況が一変した。
The situation changed completely.
Noun/suru-verb for a drastic, violent change, often used in social or environmental contexts.
社会が激変する。
Society undergoes a drastic change.
Describing an abrupt turn, shift in policy, or change of plans.
Describing an abrupt shift in feelings, such as from calm to anger or happiness to sadness.
Specifically for a sudden change in someone's demeanor or attitude.
彼は急に怒り出した。態度が急変した。
He suddenly got angry. His attitude changed abruptly.
Literary/formal noun/suru-verb meaning a sudden and complete change in character or attitude, like a leopard changing its spots.
彼の態度が豹変した。
His attitude underwent a sudden transformation.
Describing an abrupt transformation in how something looks or its physical properties.
Onomatopoeic adverb meaning a complete, sudden change, often used for appearance, atmosphere, or personality.
部屋の雰囲気ががらりと変わった。
The atmosphere of the room changed completely.
Also used for physical transformations, as in 'the landscape changed completely'.
景色が一変した。
The scenery changed completely.
急変 is a formal noun/suru-verb often used in news or serious contexts (weather, health). 急に変わる is a more casual, everyday phrase suitable for personal situations.
天気が急変した。
The weather changed suddenly. (formal)
彼の気分が急に変わった。
His mood suddenly changed. (casual)
The phrase 'sudden change' is often not translated word-for-word. Instead, use an adverb like 急に with a specific verb (変わる, 変える, なる) or a compound noun like 急変.
天気が急変した。
There was a sudden change in the weather.
彼の態度が急に変わった。
His attitude suddenly changed.
Noun/suru-verb for a change of direction, often used metaphorically for policy or strategy shifts.
政府は政策の方向転換を発表した。
The government announced a sudden change in policy direction.