suddenly; unexpectedly; casually; accidentally
Describes an action or thought that occurs without premeditation, often translating to 'suddenly', 'without thinking', or 'by chance'. Common in narrative and everyday speech.
ふと空を見上げると、流れ星が見えた。
When I casually looked up at the sky, I saw a shooting star.
ふと思い出して、昔の友達に電話した。
I suddenly remembered and called an old friend.
On the train, I suddenly recalled something from the past.
I suddenly realized it had already become night.
He suddenly stopped walking and looked up at the sky.
I ended up buying a book I happened to notice at the bookstore.
Ateji kanji form; rarely used.