〜たとたん

As soon as...; Just when...

1. Meaning

「〜たとたん」 is used to express the immediate occurrence of an action or state, often indicating that something else happens right after.

2. Overview

This structure is typically used to describe the moment an action is completed, followed almost instantly by another event. It emphasizes the tight temporal connection between the two actions, often implying unexpectedness or suddenness.

3. Structure

• Grammar Structure:

  • Verb (past tense) + とたん

• Explanation: This structure indicates that right after one action is completed, another action or state almost immediately occurs, emphasizing the close relationship between the two.

4. Usage Explanation

• Connection: 「〜たとたん」 is primarily used in spoken language and is suitable for describing instantaneous changes and unexpected situations.

• Translation: It is usually translated as "as soon as..." or "just when..."

5. Example Sentences

1. ドアを開けたとたん、雨が降り出した。
   As soon as I opened the door, it started to rain.

2. テレビをつけたとたん、ニュースが始まった。
   Just when I turned on the TV, the news started.

3. 彼女が笑ったとたん、みんながつられて笑った。
   As soon as she laughed, everyone else laughed too.

4. 駅に着いたとたん、電車が出発した。
   Just when I arrived at the station, the train left.

5. 寝ていたとたん、電話が鳴った。
   Just as I fell asleep, the phone rang.

6. Alternative Grammar

• 〜た瞬間: Indicates the moment an action happens, similarly emphasizing the immediate follow-up event.
  • Example: 彼が来た瞬間、みんなが拍手した。
    (As soon as he arrived, everyone applauded.)

7. Related Grammar

• 〜と同時に: Indicates that two actions happen simultaneously, emphasizing overlap in time.
  • Example: 彼女が叫んだと同時に、鳥が飛び立った。
    (As soon as she shouted, the birds flew away.)

8. Notes

• Tone: 「〜たとたん」 often carries a sense of suddenness and unexpectedness, typically used to describe unforeseen situations.

• Context: This expression is applicable in various contexts to describe instantaneous changes in actions, emphasizing causal relationships.

9. Summary

「〜たとたん」 is a grammatical structure that indicates the moment an action is completed, followed almost immediately by another event, emphasizing a close temporal connection, and is commonly used in everyday conversation.