Translation guide
A guide to expressing the English phrase 'just as' in Japanese, covering simultaneous actions, manner, and comparison.
Expressing that two actions happen at the same time, often with a sense of 'at the exact moment'.
Used to indicate that two actions occur simultaneously. Attach to the dictionary form of a verb.
彼が部屋に入ると同時に、電話が鳴った。
Just as he entered the room, the phone rang.
Emphasizes that something happened the instant another action was completed. Often used for unexpected events.
ドアを開けたとたん、猫が飛び出した。
Just as I opened the door, the cat jumped out.
Describes two actions happening almost simultaneously, with the second occurring before the first is fully completed.
彼はベッドに入るか入らないかのうちに眠ってしまった。
He fell asleep just as he got into bed.
Expressing that something happens or is done in the same manner as something else.
Means 'in the same way as'. Used to compare actions or states.
私が教えたのと同じようにやってください。
Please do it just as I taught you.
A more concise way to say 'just as/like'. Can be used for manner or similarity.
彼が言ったように、それは簡単だった。
Just as he said, it was easy.
Means 'exactly as' or 'in accordance with'. Often used when following instructions or expectations.
説明書の通りに組み立ててください。
Please assemble it just as the instructions say.
Expressing that two things are equal in some quality or degree.
Used to compare the degree or extent of something, meaning 'just as ... as'.
彼は兄と同じくらい背が高い。
He is just as tall as his older brother.
A more formal or literary expression meaning 'no less than' or 'just as ... as'.
彼女はプロの歌手に劣らず歌が上手い。
She sings just as well as a professional singer.
Both express simultaneity, but 〜たとたん emphasizes a sudden or unexpected event immediately after an action, while 〜と同時に is more neutral and can be used for planned simultaneous actions.
家を出たとたんに雨が降り出した。
Just as I left the house, it started raining (unexpectedly).
スタートの合図と同時に走り出した。
Just as the starting signal sounded, they began running (planned).
Avoid directly translating 'just as' word-for-word. Phrases like ちょうど〜のように are sometimes possible but often sound unnatural. Use the patterns above for natural Japanese.