JLPT Grammar: ～にたちまち – Instantly / In an Instant

By ProDev Teach | Updated May 2025

📘 Meaning & Usage

～にたちまち is an adverbial expression used to describe something that happens instantly or in a very short time. It emphasizes the suddenness and speed of an action or change.

Translation: Instantly / Immediately / In an instant

Form:

• Verb (past / plain form) + にたちまち

Often used in descriptive or narrative writing, especially when something changes quickly or without warning.

💡 Example Sentences

• その知らせを聞くや否や、彼の顔色はたちまち変わった。
  As soon as he heard the news, his expression changed instantly.
• 薬を飲んだら、たちまち元気になった。
  After taking the medicine, I instantly felt better.
• その花火は空に上がったと思ったら、たちまち消えた。
  The firework rose into the sky and instantly disappeared.
• 子どもはたちまち泣き出した。
  The child instantly started crying.
• たちまち雨が降り始めた。
  It started raining all of a sudden.

📝 Grammar Notes

• たちまち is used mostly in written or formal speech.
• It focuses on the *speed* and *suddenness* of an event.
• Similar expressions: すぐに (soon), 直ちに (immediately, more formal), 急に (suddenly).
• Often used with verbs of change or transformation.

📝 Practice Exercises

1. Fill in the blanks

1. 話を聞いて、彼は＿＿＿＿顔を赤くした。
2. 風邪薬を飲んだら、＿＿＿＿熱が下がった。
3. その事故のニュースは、＿＿＿＿町中に広まった。

✔ Answers:

• たちまち
• たちまち
• たちまち

2. Translate into Japanese

1. He suddenly stood up and left the room.
2. The situation changed instantly.
3. It got dark in an instant.

✔ Sample Answers:

• 彼はたちまち立ち上がって部屋を出た。
• 状況はたちまち変わった。
• たちまち暗くなった。

🔗 Related Grammar

• すぐに: Soon / Right away
• 直ちに: Immediately (more formal or written)
• 急に: Suddenly (more about unexpectedness)

🧠 Summary

• Meaning: Instantly / Immediately / In an instant
• Level: JLPT N1
• Form: Verb + にたちまち
• Usage: To express that something happens suddenly and very quickly

thuandao

I’m a software engineer based in Japan, with experience in developing web and mobile applications. I’m passionate about technology, especially in DevOps, AI, and app development using platforms like AWS, Flutter, and Node.js. My goal is to build a website that shares knowledge about the Japanese language and IT, helping everyone learn and grow more easily in the digital era.