GRAMMAR
忽ち
immediately
suddenly
Explanation
NOTE
忽ち (たちまち) is an adverb meaning in an instant or immediately — used when something happens very rapidly.
新商品は忽ち売り切れた。
The new product sold out in an instant.
忽ち emphasizes that a change or event happened with surprising speed.
NOTE
忽ち is typically placed before the verb it modifies, and often describes a sudden change of state — selling out, disappearing, spreading, becoming popular, etc.
NOTE
It carries a slightly literary or written tone compared to casual すぐに. The reading is たちまち, with ruby on 忽 only — ち sits outside.
STRUCTURE
忽ち+V
噂は忽ち町中に広がった。
Uwasa wa tachimachi machijuu ni hirogatta.
The rumor spread throughout the town in an instant.
空は忽ち暗くなった。
Sora wa tachimachi kuraku natta.
The sky grew dark in an instant.
その歌は忽ち人気になった。
Sono uta wa tachimachi ninki ni natta.
That song became popular in an instant.
Practice exercises
1
その薬を飲むと、熱は忽ち下がった。
When I took that medicine, my fever immediately went down.
Answer
忽ち
2
彼の考えは人々の心に忽ち広まった。
His idea immediately spread in people's hearts.
Answer
忽ち
3
連絡が来次第、彼は忽ち出発した。
As soon as contact arrived, he immediately departed.
Answer
忽ち
4
幕が開いたとたんに、観客は忽ち沸いた。
The moment the curtain opened, the audience suddenly cheered.
Answer
忽ち
5
いきなり雨が降り、道は忽ち濡れた。
Suddenly it rained, and the road immediately got wet.
Answer
忽ち