Search pages and navigate
As soon as; repeatedly right after
Definition
The grammar pattern "動詞辞書形 / た形 + そばから" is used to describe a situation where, despite something being done, the opposite or an undesirable situation occurs immediately and repeatedly. This pattern carries a nuance of frustration or futility, implying that no matter how hard one tries, the undesired outcome continues to happen. It is often used to express a sense of disappointment or helplessness in the face of a recurring problem.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 動詞辞書形 (Dictionary form of a verb) | 動詞辞書形 + そばから | 新しい言葉を覚えるそばから忘れてしまう |
| 動詞た形 (Past tense of a verb) | 動詞た形 + そばから | 掃除をしたそばから、子供たちが部屋を散らかしていく |
| 動詞た形 (Past tense of a verb) with 連用形 (Conjugated form) | 動詞た形 + そばから | 料理をテーブルにそばから、子供たちが食べてしまう |
Examples
新しい言葉を覚えるそばから忘れてしまうので、本当に困っている。
Atarashii kotoba o oboeru soba kara wasurete shimau node, hontou ni komatte imasu.
I'm really frustrated because I keep forgetting the new words I've learned.
新しい言葉を覚える (learn new words) そばから (immediately after) 忘れてしまう (forget) ので (because) 本当に困っている (really frustrated)
掃除をしたそばから、子供たちが部屋を散らかしていく。
Sōji o shita soba kara, kodomo-tachi ga heya o sara kaite imasu.
As soon as I finish cleaning, the kids start making a mess again.
掃除をした (finished cleaning) そばから (immediately after) 子供たちが部屋を散らかしていく (the kids start making a mess)
料理をテーブルにそばから、子供たちが食べてしまう。
Ryōri o teeburu ni soba kara, kodomo-tachi ga tabete shimau.
As soon as I put the food on the table, the kids start eating it.
料理をテーブルに (put the food on the table) そばから (immediately after) 子供たちが食べてしまう (the kids start eating)
Context
This pattern is used to describe a recurring situation where an undesired outcome occurs immediately after a specific action. It is often used in informal speech and writing. Be careful not to confuse it with other patterns that describe a single instance or a one-time event.
Watch out
This pattern implies a recurring situation, so using it for a one-time event can be misleading.
～が早いか implies a single instance, whereas そばから implies a recurring situation.
This pattern requires a verb that implies a recurring state, so using it with a verb that doesn't fit can be incorrect.
Strategy
Pay attention to the context and the verb used in the sentence. If the verb implies a recurring state, use this pattern. If not, use a different pattern to describe a one-time event.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N1 test-style questions. Each sentence shows 動詞辞書形 / た形 + そばから used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
新しい言葉を覚えるそばから忘れてしまうので、本当に困っている。
Pattern used: そばから
～そばから is used for repeated actions that feel futile or frustrating.
掃除をしたそばから、子供たちが部屋を散らかしていく。
Pattern used: そばから
The recurring cycle of cleaning and making a mess is expressed by ～そばから.
料理をテーブルに並べるそばから、子供たちが食べてしまう。
Pattern used: 並べる
～そばから emphasizes that the action of 'eating' happens repeatedly as food is set out.
Interactive
新しい言葉を覚える______忘れてしまうので、本当に困っている。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.