〜そばから

As soon as...; Just after...

1. Overview

「〜そばから」 is used to describe a situation where one action happens, and immediately after that, another action occurs. It often implies a sense of frequency or repetition, emphasizing the connection between the two actions.

2. Structure

Grammar Structure:
- Verb (dictionary form) + そばから
- Verb (masu form) + そばから
Explanation: 「そばから」 emphasizes that after the first action takes place, the second action occurs right after, indicating a close causal relationship.

3. Usage Explanation

Continuation: It can follow the dictionary form or masu form of a verb, describing the temporal relationship between actions.
Usage: This expression is suitable for emphasizing the frequency of events and is often used to describe unpleasant or troubling situations.
Translation: Generally translated as “as soon as...” or “just after...”.

4. Alternative Expressions

〜た途端: Has a similar meaning, indicating that immediately after one action is completed, another occurs.

5. Similar Expressions

〜と同時に: Indicates that two actions happen simultaneously.
〜たらすぐ: Implies that one action is done immediately followed by the next.

6. Notes

Context: 「〜そばから」 is often used in both spoken and written language, typically paired with negative forms.
Tone: It emphasizes the close relationship between actions, often used to express frequent or troublesome situations.

7. Example Sentences

勉強するそばから、すぐにテレビを見てしまった。
As soon as I finished studying, I immediately watched TV.
掃除したそばから、子供たちが散らかした。
Just after I cleaned, the children made a mess again.
彼は話し終わるそばから、別の話題に移った。
He switched to another topic just after he finished talking.
食べたそばから、すぐにお腹が空いた。
I felt hungry immediately after eating.
電話をかけるそばから、友達が来た。
My friend arrived just after I made the call.

8. Summary

「〜そばから」 is an expression used to describe a situation where one action occurs immediately followed by another. It emphasizes the close connection between actions and is applicable in various contexts.