Explanation

ふと (futo) is an adverb that means 'suddenly' or 'unexpectedly'. It is used to describe actions or events that occur spontaneously or without much thought.

Personalized Lesson For You!

Key Formation

• ふと + Verb

  ふと思い出す (Suddenly remember)

• ふと + Noun

  ふと光が差し込む (A sudden ray of light shines in)

Example Sentences

• ふと思い出した。

  I suddenly remembered.

  ふとおもいだした。

  Futo omoidashita.

  Pronunciation

• ふと彼女のことが気になった。

  Suddenly, I became concerned about her.

  ふとかのじょのことがきになった。

  Futo kanojo no koto ga ki ni natta.

  Pronunciation

• ふと外を見ると、雨が降っていた。

  Suddenly, I looked outside and it was raining.

  ふとそとをみると、あめがふっていた。

  Futo soto o miru to, ame ga futteita.

  Pronunciation

• ふとした瞬間に、彼女が微笑んだ。

  In a fleeting moment, she smiled.

  ふとしたしゅんかんに、かのじょがほほえんだ。

  Futo shita shunkan ni, kanojo ga hohoenda.

  Pronunciation

• ふと気がつけば、もう遅い時間だった。

  Suddenly, I realized it was already late.

  ふときがつけば、もうおそいじかんだった。

  Futo ki ga tsukeba, mou osoi jikan datta.

  Pronunciation

Usage Notes

Notes and Tips for JLPT students

Related Grammar, and what's the difference?

• 突然 (totsuzen) - (N4)
  - While both ふと (futo) and 突然 (totsuzen) can mean 'suddenly', ふと (futo) is more specific to sudden realizations or fleeting thoughts, whereas 突然 (totsuzen) can be used for any sudden event or action.
• いつの間にか (itsu no ma ni ka) - (N2)
  - Both ふと (futo) and いつの間にか (itsu no ma ni ka) can indicate something happening unexpectedly or without notice, but ふと (futo) often suggests a sudden realization or introspection, whereas いつの間にか (itsu no ma ni ka) is used to describe something happening gradually and unnoticed.

Useful Vocabulary that appeared in this page

• * 思い出す (おもいだす)to rememberPronunciation
• * 気になる (きになる)to be concerned, to be interested inPronunciation
• * 外 (そと)outsidePronunciation
• * 見る (みる)to look, to seePronunciation
• * 雨 (あめ)rainPronunciation
• * 降る (ふる)to fall (rain, snow)Pronunciation
• * 瞬間 (しゅんかん)momentPronunciation
• * 微笑む (ほほえむ)to smilePronunciation
• * 気がつく (きがつく)to realize, to noticePronunciation
• * 遅い (おそい)late, slowPronunciation
• * 時間 (じかん)timePronunciation

Quiz

What does ふと思い出した mean?

• I suddenly remembered.
• I forgot.
• I intentionally remembered.