N2Time & Sequence

V-た形 + (か)と思うと / (か)と思ったら

Q: Is "Using this pattern for the speaker's own intentional actions" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use a different pattern such as "V-た形 + したとき" or "V-た形 + した後"". This pattern is not suitable for describing the speaker's own intentional actions, as it emphasizes the unexpected timing of the event. Instead, use a different pattern that emphasizes the speaker's intention or action.

Q: Is "Confusing this pattern with 'to omou' (I think)" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use a different pattern such as "V-た形 + 思ったら"". This pattern is not the same as 'to omou' (I think), which is used to express the speaker's thoughts or opinions. Instead, use a different pattern that emphasizes the unexpected timing of the event.

Q: Is "Using this pattern for a slow, gradual change" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use a different pattern such as "V-た形 + した後" or "V-た形 + したとき"". This pattern is not suitable for describing slow, gradual changes, as it emphasizes the unexpected timing of the event. Instead, use a different pattern that emphasizes the speaker's intention or action.

Just when; as soon as

Definition

Meaning

The grammar pattern "V-た形 + (か)と思うと / (か)と思ったら" is used to express a sudden change or contrasting event that happens almost immediately after another. It emphasizes the unexpected timing of the event and is often used to describe third-party actions or natural phenomena. This pattern is particularly useful for describing situations where one event is a direct consequence of another, and the speaker is highlighting the unexpected nature of the sequence of events.

Structure

Formation Rules

Form	Pattern	Example
V-た形 (Ta-form of the verb)	V-た形 + (か)と思うと / (か)と思ったら	空が暗くなったかとおもうと、降り出した。
V-た形 (Ta-form of the verb)	V-た形 + (か)と思うと / (か)と思ったら	赤ちゃんは今泣いたかと思ったら、もう泣いていた。
V-た形 (Ta-form of the verb)	V-た形 + (か)と思うと / (か)と思ったら	やっと帰ってきたかと思ったら、また出かけていった。

Examples

Example Sentences

空が暗くなったかとおもうと、降り出した。

Sora ga kurutta ka to omou to, furi dashita.

Just when I thought it was getting dark, it started raining.

空が暗くなったかと (Just when I thought it was getting dark), おもうと (I thought), 降り出した (it started raining)

赤ちゃんは今泣いたかと思ったら、もう泣いていた。

Aka-chan wa ima naite ka to omotta ra, mō naite ita.

Just when I thought the baby was crying now, it was already crying.

赤ちゃんは今泣いたかと (Just when I thought the baby was crying now), 思ったら (I thought), もう泣いていた (it was already crying)

やっと帰ってきたかと思ったら、また出かけていった。

Yatto kaette kita ka to omotta ra, mata dekaite itta.

Just when I thought they had finally come back, they left again.

やっと帰ってきたかと (Just when I thought they had finally come back), 思ったら (I thought), また出かけていった (they left again)

Context

Usage Notes

This pattern is used to describe third-party actions or natural phenomena, and is often used to emphasize the unexpected timing of the event. It is not typically used to describe the speaker's own actions or intentional actions. In terms of register, this pattern is formal and is often used in writing or formal speech.

Watch out

Common Mistakes

Using this pattern for the speaker's own intentional actions

Use a different pattern such as "V-た形 + したとき" or "V-た形 + した後"

This pattern is not suitable for describing the speaker's own intentional actions, as it emphasizes the unexpected timing of the event. Instead, use a different pattern that emphasizes the speaker's intention or action.

Confusing this pattern with 'to omou' (I think)

Use a different pattern such as "V-た形 + 思ったら"

This pattern is not the same as 'to omou' (I think), which is used to express the speaker's thoughts or opinions. Instead, use a different pattern that emphasizes the unexpected timing of the event.

Using this pattern for a slow, gradual change

Use a different pattern such as "V-た形 + した後" or "V-た形 + したとき"

This pattern is not suitable for describing slow, gradual changes, as it emphasizes the unexpected timing of the event. Instead, use a different pattern that emphasizes the speaker's intention or action.

Strategy

JLPT Exam Tips

When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, be sure to emphasize the unexpected timing of the event and use it to describe third-party actions or natural phenomena. Avoid using it to describe the speaker's own actions or intentional actions, and be careful not to confuse it with other patterns such as 'to omou' (I think).

In context