とっさ
Meanings
1
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
usually written using kana alone
Refers to a very short moment, often used in adverbial phrases like とっさに (in an instant, reflexively) or とっさの (instantaneous, spur-of-the-moment).
See also: とっさに
I hit the brakes in a split-second decision.
He reflexively told a lie in that instant.
Usage patterns
- とっさに〈動詞〉to do something instantly/reflexively without thinking
I instinctively reached out and grabbed the child.
- とっさの判断a snap decision made in a split second
He made a split-second decision to turn the wheel and avoid the accident.
- とっさに〈動詞〉できないto be unable to react in time / to freeze up in a sudden moment
When suddenly asked my name, I couldn't answer right away.