just when I thought, no sooner than

Intermediate

20-25 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates surprising quick succession.

[Verb た form] + かと思うと/かと思ったら

晴れたかと思ったら、また雨が降り出した。

Hareta ka to omottara, mata ame ga furidashita.

Just when I thought it cleared up, it started raining again.

帰ってきたかと思うと、すぐ出かけた。

Kaette kita ka to omou to, sugu dekaketa.

No sooner had they come home than they left again.

Emphasizes unexpected rapid change.

～たとたん（に）

just as, the moment that

～に違いない

must be ~, no doubt that ~, undoubtedly

～に関して/関する

regarding ~, concerning ~, about ~

～について/つい

about ~, concerning ~

～に伴って/伴い/伴う

along with ~, as ~ (changes)

Often expresses surprise or frustration.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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