JLPT N2 Grammar
· Upper Intermediate
Search pages and navigate
· Upper Intermediate
Just when; as soon as
Category: Time & Sequence
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.
| 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。 |
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
空が暗くなったかとおもうと、______降り出した。
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.