ふと
Meanings
1
suddenly; unexpectedly; casually; accidentally
usually written using kana alone
Describes an action or thought that occurs without premeditation, often translating to 'suddenly', 'without thinking', or 'by chance'. Common in narrative and everyday speech.
When I casually looked up at the sky, I saw a shooting star.
I suddenly remembered and called an old friend.
Usage patterns
- ふと思うto suddenly think of something
On the train, I suddenly recalled something from the past.
- ふと気づくto suddenly notice or realize
I suddenly realized it had already become night.
- ふと足を止めるto suddenly stop walking
He suddenly stopped walking and looked up at the sky.
- ふと目にするto happen to catch sight of something
I ended up buying a book I happened to notice at the bookstore.