Translation guide
Expresses that one event happens immediately after another. The most natural Japanese equivalent is the pattern 「〜するや否や」, but several other constructions exist depending on formality and nuance.
To say that as soon as one thing happened, another thing happened, often with a sense of surprise or speed.
This is the closest direct equivalent to 'no sooner than'. It is formal and mostly used in writing. Attach to the dictionary form of a verb.
彼は家に着くや否や、雨が降り出した。
No sooner had he arrived home than it started raining.
Similar to 〜するや否や, but emphasizes the speed of the second action. Also formal and literary.
彼女はその手紙を読むが早いか、泣き出した。
No sooner had she read the letter than she burst into tears.
Indicates that the second action occurs immediately after the first, often with the same subject. Common in written Japanese.
彼は部屋に入るなり、大声で叫んだ。
No sooner had he entered the room than he shouted loudly.
To express that one thing happens right after another in everyday conversation.
Used when the second action occurs the moment the first action finishes. The verb before とたん must be in past tense (た-form).
ドアを開けたとたん、猫が飛び出した。
No sooner had I opened the door than the cat jumped out.
A very common and neutral way to say 'as soon as'. Less literary than the above patterns.
家に帰ったらすぐに宿題をしなさい。
Do your homework as soon as you get home.
To emphasize that something happened only just before something else, often with a negative outcome.
Literally 'in the time between doing and not doing', meaning the second action happens almost before the first is completed. Often used for close calls.
電車に乗るか乗らないかのうちにドアが閉まった。
No sooner had I gotten on the train than the doors closed.
Implies that as soon as you do something, the effect is undone or something contrary happens. Often used for repetitive or frustrating situations.
覚えたそばから忘れてしまう。
No sooner do I memorize it than I forget it.
〜するや否や is formal and written, while 〜したとたん is more common in speech. 〜するや否や uses the dictionary form, while 〜したとたん requires the past tense. Both express immediate succession.
彼を見るや否や、逃げ出した。
No sooner did she see him than she ran away.
彼を見たとたん、逃げ出した。
The moment she saw him, she ran away.
Do not try to translate 'no sooner' word-for-word into Japanese. Phrases like 「より早くない」 are incorrect. Use the patterns above instead.
座るや否や電話が鳴った。
No sooner had I sat down than the phone rang.
彼女が話し終わるか終わらないかのうちに彼が割り込んだ。
No sooner had she finished speaking than he interrupted.