刹那
Meanings
1
Refers to an extremely short period of time, often used in literary or dramatic contexts. Can function as a noun or adverbially with に.
from Sanskrit kṣaṇa
Her expression changed in an instant.
In that moment, I couldn't understand what had happened.
2
kshana; shortest possible interval of time
Buddhist term for the smallest unit of time, originally defined as the duration of a single mental event (about 1/75 second). Rare outside specialized contexts.
In Buddhism, kshana is considered a unit representing a single momentary movement of the mind.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉した刹那the very instant that something happened
The instant the door opened, she screamed.
- その刹那at that very moment
In that instant, it felt as if everything had changed.