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たちまち・いきなり: the difference

Meaning

Immediately, Quickly, Suddenly, In a moment or flash

Past papers

Not yet

Example

少すこし油断ゆだんしたら、ライバルに忽たちまち追おい越こされた。

(I) was only slightly negligent, but (my) rival immediately overtook me.

Meaning

For no reason, Suddenly, All of a sudden

Past papers

Not yet

Example

行いき成なりの展開てんかいに驚おどろきを隠かくせない。

I can't hide my surprise at the sudden development.

How to tell them apart

「たちまち」: stresses how fast a big change happens; you marvel at it afterwards.

「すぐに」: just a short gap between two things; works for your own actions: 「すぐ行きます」.

「いきなり」: stresses no warning, abrupt, unexpected.

All about たちまち ›All about いきなり ›