途端

• Reading: とたん
• Romaji: totan
• Kanji breakdown: 途 (to) — road, way; 端 (tan) — edge, end
• Pronunciation: /to.ta.n/

Meaning

The moment; just as; as soon as. Indicates something happens immediately after another action.

A noun used with the pattern ～た途端（に） to mean 'the instant that...' The preceding verb is always in past tense (た form). Emphasises the immediacy and often unexpectedness of the second event: ドアを開けた途端に猫が飛び出した (the moment I opened the door, the cat leapt out). More dramatic than ～たら or ～とき.

Examples

1. 外に出た途端に雨が降り始めた。 The moment I stepped outside, it started raining.
2. 彼の顔を見た途端に涙が出てきた。 The instant I saw his face, tears started falling.
3. 座った途端に電話が鳴った。 The moment I sat down, the phone rang.

Usage Guide

Context: narrative, daily life, storytelling

Tone: dramatic

Origin & History

Compound of 途 (to, road/way) and 端 (tan, edge/end). Together, 'the edge of the road' — the precise turning point between two events.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal