Translation guide
A conjunction or adverb meaning 'after which' or 'at which point,' used to describe an action that happens immediately after another action. In Japanese, this is expressed through various grammatical patterns that link sequential events.
To indicate that one action happens right after another, often with a sense of consequence or reaction.
To introduce a new event or action that occurs at a specific moment in a story or description, often with a sense of 'and then.'
A conjunction meaning 'at that point' or 'so then.' It is used to move the narrative forward, often implying a decision or action taken as a result.
すると is a standalone conjunction used at the beginning of a sentence, while ～と is a particle attached to a verb. すると is more conversational and can imply a slight surprise or natural consequence. ～と is more neutral and often used in written narratives or conditional statements.
窓を開けた。すると、風が入ってきた。
I opened the window, whereupon the wind came in.
窓を開けると、風が入ってきた。
When I opened the window, the wind came in.
There is no single Japanese word that directly corresponds to 'whereupon.' Using a dictionary translation like その上で (sono ue de) or それについて (sore ni tsuite) would be incorrect. Instead, use the sequential patterns described above.
I opened the door, whereupon a cat jumped out.
A conditional/sequential particle attached to the dictionary form of a verb. It indicates that when the first action occurs, the second action inevitably or immediately follows.
彼はそれを見ると、笑い出した。
He saw it, whereupon he burst out laughing.
Attached to the past tense of a verb, this pattern means 'just when I did X, Y happened.' It emphasizes the timing of the second action right after the first.
駅に着いたところ、電車が出たばかりだった。
I arrived at the station, whereupon the train had just left.
A formal, literary pattern meaning 'as soon as' or 'no sooner than.' It attaches to the dictionary form of a verb and indicates an immediate subsequent action.
彼はその手紙を読むや否や、破り捨てた。
He read the letter, whereupon he tore it up and threw it away.
会議は行き詰まった。そこで、新しい提案を出した。
The meeting reached a deadlock, whereupon I made a new proposal.
Similar to すると, but with a slightly more explicit 'doing so' nuance. It connects actions in a sequence.
彼はボタンを押した。そうすると、機械が動き出した。
He pressed the button, whereupon the machine started working.