What it means
ふと is an adverb meaning that something happens suddenly, spontaneously, or without the speaker deliberately planning it. It often describes a brief thought, realization, memory, glance, or action that arises unexpectedly. It usually modifies a verb and focuses on the unexpected beginning of the action rather than the speed of the action.
Usage note
ふと is not normally used as a predicate by itself. It is sometimes confused with 急に, which more generally means that a situation changes suddenly; ふと often suggests an unplanned or momentary impulse.
How to use it
ふと窓の外を見ました。
I suddenly looked outside the window.
ふと窓の外を見た。
I suddenly looked outside the window.
Example sentences
駅で待っていると、ふと昔の先生の言葉を思い出しました。
While I was waiting at the station, I suddenly remembered my former teacher's words.
図書館で本を探していると、ふと窓の外に目を向けました。
While looking for a book in the library, I suddenly turned my eyes toward the outside of the window.
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