〜や・〜やいなや

As soon as…; The moment that…

1. Overview

「〜や」 and 「〜やいなや」 are used to indicate that as soon as one action occurs, another follows immediately. This structure emphasizes the near-simultaneous occurrence of two actions and is often used to describe quick, continuous changes.

2. Structure

• Verb (dictionary form) + や / やいなや

3. Usage Explanation

• Expressing Immediate Subsequent Actions:
  This structure is used to indicate that once the first action is completed, the second one follows immediately, often implying speed or surprise.

• Literary Tone:
  Compared to similar expressions, 「〜や」 and 「〜やいなや」 are more common in written or formal contexts, adding a literary quality to the sentence.

• English Translation:
  It can be translated as “As soon as…” or “The moment that…”

4. Example Sentences

1. ベルが鳴るや、学生たちは教室を出た。
   As soon as the bell rang, the students left the classroom.

2. 彼は部屋に入るやいなや、大声で叫んだ。
   The moment he entered the room, he shouted loudly.

3. 空が暗くなるや、激しい雨が降り出した。
   The moment the sky darkened, heavy rain started.

4. 店が開くや、多くの人が並び始めた。
   As soon as the store opened, a large number of people started lining up.

5. 試合が始まるやいなや、彼は全力を出した。
   The moment the match began, he gave his all.

5. Key Points to Note

• Formality:
  「〜や」 and 「〜やいなや」 are less common in casual conversation, often appearing in formal or written contexts.

• Quick Succession and Surprise:
  This structure usually conveys a sense of rapid occurrence or surprise, emphasizing the lack of delay between the two actions.

6. Similar Grammar

• 〜たとたん（に）: Used to express that another action occurs immediately after the completion of the first action, often with an element of surprise.
  • Example: 部屋に入ったとたん、電話が鳴り始めた。
    The moment I entered the room, the phone started ringing.

7. Alternative Grammar

• 〜とすぐに: Indicates that one action immediately follows another but is less formal than 「〜や」.
  • Example: 彼は会うとすぐに、私に話しかけてきた。
    As soon as he met me, he started talking to me.

8. Summary

「〜や」 and 「〜やいなや」 are used to express two almost simultaneous actions, typically in written or formal contexts, conveying a quick, continuous action that’s ideal for describing tight, connected events.