瞬間 — meaning in English: moment

shunkan · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for moment

変換

henkan

大聖堂

daisēdō

会社

kaisha

瞬間

shunkan

結果

kekka

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 瞬間 (shunkan) when describing fleeting moments, such as during a conversation about a beautiful sunset or a surprising event. It's common to hear it in everyday discussions, as well as in more formal contexts like literature or speeches where the emphasis is on the transitory nature of time.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 時間 (jikan), meaning 'time,' but 瞬間 (shunkan) specifically refers to a brief, instantaneous moment. You would choose 瞬間 when stressing the significance of a particular fleeting instance, whereas 時間 might be used for more general discussions about time.

Culture

The word 瞬間 (shunkan) is derived from the characters 瞬, which means 'to blink,' and 間, meaning 'interval' or 'space.' This reflects a deep cultural appreciation for the transient beauty of life, a theme often explored in Japanese art and poetry. The concept of 'moments' is significant in Japanese culture, emphasizing mindfulness and the importance of being present.

FAQ

Q.What does 瞬間 mean in English?

瞬間 (shunkan) translates to 'moment' in English, referring to a brief period of time that is often significant or noteworthy.

Q.How do you use 瞬間 in a sentence?

You can use 瞬間 in sentences like 'その瞬間、彼は笑顔になった' (Sono shunkan, kare wa egao ni natta), which means 'In that moment, he smiled.'

Q.Is 瞬間 used in both spoken and written Japanese?

Yes, 瞬間 is commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese. It fits well in casual conversations and formal writing, making it a versatile word to include in your vocabulary.

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