突発

• Reading: とっぱつ
• Romaji: toppatsu
• Kanji breakdown: 突 (totsu/tsu) — thrust, sudden; 発 (hatsu/ta) — emit, departure, occur
• Pronunciation: /top.pa.tsɯ/

Meaning

Sudden outbreak; unexpected occurrence. Something that happens abruptly without warning.

A noun and する verb describing events that occur suddenly and without prior indication. Often combined with 的 to form the な-adjective 突発的 (sudden, unexpected). Common in contexts involving accidents, emergencies, natural disasters, or unforeseen problems at work.

Examples

1. 突発的な事故で電車が遅れた。 The train was delayed due to a sudden accident.
2. 突発的な仕事が入り、予定を変更した。 An unexpected task came up, so I had to change my plans.
3. 地震は突発的に起こるので備えが必要だ。 Earthquakes happen without warning, so it's important to be prepared.

Usage Guide

Context: emergencies, workplace, news

Tone: urgent

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 突 (thrust, sudden, abrupt) and 発 (emit, occur, depart). Conveys the image of something bursting forth unexpectedly, like a thrust from nowhere.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal