suddenly · bow

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is とん, and no kun reading is listed. It has 13 strokes. It appears in words for tidying and setbacks in plans or negotiations.
• Basic usage: 整頓 is read せいとん and 頓挫 is read とんざ.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 整頓 / 頓挫
  • 整頓 means organization or tidying and is read せいとん. It refers to tidying a desk or organizing tools.
  • 作業を終えたら机の上を整頓しておこう。 means “Let's tidy the desk when the work is finished.”
  • 頓挫 means setback or collapse and is read とんざ. It refers to a setback in which a plan stalls or negotiations collapse.
  • 資材が足りず、橋を直す計画は一時頓挫しました。 means “A material shortage temporarily halted the bridge repair plan.”