Translation guide
Expresses that something happened at exactly that moment, often with a sense of coincidence or timing. The most natural Japanese equivalent depends on whether the event is in the past, present, or a narrative.
Describing something that happened at precisely that time in the past, often with a nuance of coincidence or suddenness.
A direct and natural way to say 'just then' for past events. It emphasizes the exact timing.
ちょうどその時、電話が鳴った。
Just then, the phone rang.
Just then, he came in.
Simply 'at that time'. Less emphatic than ちょうどその時, but still common. Often used in storytelling.
その時、突然雨が降り出した。
Just then, it suddenly started raining.
A conjunction meaning 'thereupon' or 'just then', used to connect events in a narrative. Implies a natural or immediate sequence.
ドアを開けた。すると、猫が飛び出してきた。
I opened the door. Just then, a cat jumped out.
Literally 'at that instant'. Stronger emphasis on the exact moment, often used in dramatic or literary contexts.
その瞬間、すべてが変わった。
Just then, everything changed.
Referring to something happening right now, often with a sense of immediacy or coincidence.
The most direct equivalent for 'just then' in present contexts. Emphasizes the timing as 'right now'.
ちょうど今、メールを送ったところです。
I sent the email just then.
ちょうど今、考えていたところです。
I was just thinking about that.
Means 'just now' or 'a moment ago'. Slightly more casual and immediate than ちょうど今.
Used in storytelling to mark a sudden event or turning point. Often found in written Japanese.
Combines 'at that time' with 'suddenly/unexpectedly'. Common in literary narratives to introduce a sudden thought or action.
その時ふと、彼は何かを思い出した。
Just then, he suddenly remembered something.
A formal/literary expression meaning 'just then' or 'at that very moment'. Often used in historical or dramatic contexts.
折しも、鐘が鳴り響いた。
Just then, the bell rang out.
Directly translating 'just then' as ただその時 is unnatural. Use the phrases above depending on context.
ちょうどその時 emphasizes the exact moment, while すると connects two events in a sequence. Use すると when the second event is a direct result or immediate follow-up.
ちょうどその時、彼が来た。
Just then, he arrived. (focus on timing)
彼が来た。すると、みんなが拍手した。
He arrived. Just then, everyone applauded. (sequence)
たった今、帰ってきた。
I got back just then.