Translation guide
The English word 'moment' can refer to a very short period of time, a specific point in time, or an opportune time. Japanese has several words and expressions that cover these meanings, but they are not always interchangeable. This guide helps you choose the right one.
Expressing a brief instant or a short while.
The most direct and common translation for 'moment' as a very short instant. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
その瞬間、何が起こったか分からなかった。
At that moment, I didn't understand what had happened.
一瞬の出来事だった。
It was a momentary event.
Literally 'one instant', emphasizes the brevity of the moment. Often used with に or の.
一瞬、何が起きたのか分からなかった。
For a moment, I didn't know what had happened.
A literary or poetic term for an extremely brief moment, often used in writing or song lyrics.
刹那の輝き。
A fleeting moment of brilliance.
Referring to a particular time when something happens.
The most natural way to say 'when' or 'the time/moment when'. Used in everyday speech.
彼が来た時、私はちょうど出かけるところだった。
At the moment he arrived, I was just about to leave.
その時はまだ子供だった。
At that moment, I was still a child.
Also used for a specific instant, often with a dramatic or precise nuance.
A grammar pattern meaning 'just as' or 'the moment (something happened), (something else happened)'. Attaches to the past tense of a verb.
家を出たとたんに雨が降り出した。
The moment I left the house, it started raining.
A formal/literary pattern meaning 'as soon as' or 'the moment'. Used in writing.
彼はそれを見るや否や、走り出した。
The moment he saw it, he started running.
Expressing a suitable or convenient time to do something.
Loanword from English, widely used for 'timing' or 'the right moment'. Very natural in conversation.
今がそのタイミングだ。
Now is the moment (to do it).
タイミングが悪かった。
The timing was bad. / It was a bad moment.
Means 'opportunity' or 'chance'. Used when 'moment' implies a favorable occasion.
Refers to the right or suitable moment, often with a nuance of 'about time'. Slightly old-fashioned but still used.
Referring to the present moment or a moment in the past/future.
Simply 'now'. Often the best translation for 'at this moment'.
今、何を考えているの？
What are you thinking at this moment?
'At that moment/then'. Very common.
Formal version of 'now', often used in announcements or customer service.
Expressing a short duration.
Means 'for a little while' or 'for a moment'. Casual and common.
ちょっとの間、目を閉じて。
Close your eyes for a moment.
Means 'for a while' or 'for some time'. Can be used for 'for a moment' but implies a slightly longer duration than ちょっと.
しばらくお待ちください。
Please wait for a moment.
Can also mean 'for a split second'.
瞬間 (shunkan) and 一瞬 (isshun) both mean a very short instant, but 一瞬 emphasizes the brevity more strongly. 時 (toki) is the general word for 'time' and is used when 'moment' means 'the time when something happens'. Use 時 for everyday 'when' clauses, and 瞬間 for dramatic or precise instants.
彼が来た時、私は嬉しかった。
I was happy when he came. (general time)
彼が来た瞬間、私は嬉しかった。
I was happy the moment he came. (precise instant)
English uses 'moment' in many idiomatic phrases where Japanese uses different expressions. For example, 'at the moment' is often just 今 (ima), and 'for a moment' is ちょっとの間 (chotto no aida). Using 瞬間 in these cases can sound unnatural.
その瞬間、自分の間違いに気づいた。
At that moment, I realized my mistake.
彼女が微笑んだ瞬間、心を奪われた。
The moment she smiled, I was captivated.
Don't miss this moment/opportunity.
そろそろ頃合いだ。
It's about the right moment.
At that moment, the phone rang.
ただ今、準備中です。
At this moment, we are preparing.
一瞬、迷った。
I hesitated for a moment.