たちまち

• Reading: たちまち
• Romaji: tachimachi
• Kanji breakdown: 忽 (kotsu) — sudden, fleeting (kanji form 忽ち is rarely used)
• Pronunciation: /ta.tɕi.ma.tɕi/

Meaning

In an instant; immediately; right away; at once. Describes extremely rapid change.

An adverb emphasising how quickly something happens, often with a sense of surprise at the speed. Unlike すぐに (right away), たちまち implies a dramatic or noteworthy transformation: たちまち人気になった (became popular in no time), たちまち売り切れた (sold out instantly). Slightly literary in tone.

Examples

1. 新商品はたちまち売り切れてしまった。 The new product sold out in no time.
2. 彼女の歌はたちまち有名になった。 Her singing became famous in an instant.
3. 空がたちまち暗くなり雨が降り出した。 The sky turned dark in a flash and it started to rain.

Usage Guide

Context: narrative, news, daily life

Tone: dramatic

Origin & History

Written in kanji as 忽ち, from 忽 (kotsu, sudden/neglect). The character depicts something fleeting and sudden. The hiragana form is standard in modern writing.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal