Translation guide
Expresses that one action or event happens immediately after another. Japanese uses several grammar patterns, and the best choice depends on whether the action is completed, whether it is a condition for the next action, or whether it is a natural consequence.
To say that as soon as one action finishes, another action or event occurs. The first action is a completed event.
Used when something happens the moment an action is completed, often with a nuance of surprise or an unexpected result. The second clause cannot be a volitional action (command, intention, request).
ドアを開けたとたん、猫が飛び出した。
As soon as I opened the door, the cat jumped out.
家を出たとたんに、雨が降り出した。
As soon as I left the house, it started raining.
Emphasizes simultaneity. Similar to とたん but slightly more formal and can be used in written language. The second clause can be volitional.
彼は卒業したと同時に、会社を立ち上げた。
As soon as he graduated, he started a company.
Expresses that something happens right after another action, often with a feeling of 'no sooner than'. The second clause is usually an unexpected or contrasting event. Cannot be used for the speaker's own volitional actions.
彼は帰ってきたかと思うと、また出かけていった。
As soon as he came home, he went out again.
To express that as soon as one thing happens, another thing happens as a natural or habitual consequence. The first action is a condition or trigger.
A very common pattern for 'as soon as'. The first verb is in dictionary form. It implies a natural, habitual, or expected sequence. Can be used for personal habits or general truths.
私は毎朝起きるとすぐにコーヒーを飲む。
I drink coffee as soon as I wake up every morning.
春になるとすぐに、桜が咲きます。
As soon as spring comes, the cherry blossoms bloom.
Similar to 〜とすぐに, but often used when the first action is a specific, one-time event. It can also imply a stronger intention or promise.
仕事が終わったらすぐにそちらに行きます。
I'll go there as soon as I finish work.
Formal pattern used mainly in business or official contexts. The first verb is the ます-stem. It expresses that something will be done immediately after something else is completed, often with a sense of 'upon completion'.
資料が届き次第、ご連絡いたします。
We will contact you as soon as the documents arrive.
To emphasize that something happens right after a negative or undesirable situation, often with a sense of 'no sooner had... than...'.
Used when something happens immediately after an action, often with a nuance that the result is frustrating or that the action is undone right away. The second clause is usually negative or undesirable.
片付けたそばから子供がおもちゃを散らかす。
As soon as I tidy up, the kids mess up the toys again.
To express urgency or immediacy, often in requests or commands.
Standard phrase meaning 'as soon as possible'. Polite and widely used.
できるだけ早く返事をください。
Please reply as soon as possible.
Similar to できるだけ早く, but slightly softer and more conversational.
なるべく早く来てください。
Please come as soon as you can.
Formal adverb meaning 'urgently' or 'as soon as possible'. Used in business emails or official requests.
〜とたん emphasizes the moment something happens and is often used for surprising or uncontrollable events. 〜とすぐに is more neutral and can be used for habitual actions. 〜次第 is formal and used when the speaker intends to act immediately after something is completed.
家を出たとたん、雨が降り出した。
As soon as I left the house, it started raining. (surprise)
家を出るとすぐに、雨が降り出した。
As soon as I left the house, it started raining. (natural sequence)
準備ができ次第、出発します。
We will depart as soon as preparations are complete. (formal)
The second clause after 〜とたん cannot express the speaker's will, request, or intention. Use 〜たらすぐに or 〜とすぐに instead.
✕ 家に帰ったとたん、電話します。
(incorrect)
◯ 家に帰ったらすぐに電話します。
I'll call you as soon as I get home.
Please check as soon as possible.