JLPT N2 Grammar
· Upper Intermediate
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· Upper Intermediate
Just as; as soon as
Category: Time & Sequence
The grammar pattern 'V-た形 + とたん（に）' is used to indicate that an event B occurred immediately after event A. This pattern often implies surprise or an unexpected change. The second clause cannot express the speaker's will, request, or intention. It is commonly used to describe a sequence of events where one event triggers or follows another. The nuance of this pattern is to convey a sense of suddenness or unexpectedness.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ta-form of the verb | V-た形 + とたん（に） | 窓をあけると、強い風が入ってきた。 |
| Ta-form of the verb | V-た形 + に | 犯人は警官の姿をみると、逃げ出した。 |
| Ta-form of the verb | V-た形 + とたん | お酒を一口すると、顔が真っ赤になった。 |
窓をあけると、強い風が入ってきた。
Mado o aketotan, tsuyoi kaze ga hairimashita.
As soon as I opened the window, a strong wind came in.
窓をあけると (as soon as I opened the window), 強い風が入ってきた (a strong wind came in)
犯人は警官の姿をみると、逃げ出した。
Han'nin wa keikan no sugata o mitotan, nigedashita.
As soon as he saw the police officer, he ran away.
犯人は警官の姿をみると (as soon as he saw the police officer), 逃げ出した (he ran away)
お酒を一口すると、顔が真っ赤になった。
O-sake o hitotsu o mototan, kao ga makka ni natta.
As soon as I took a sip of the sake, my face turned bright red.
お酒を一口すると (as soon as I took a sip of the sake), 顔が真っ赤になった (my face turned bright red)
This pattern is used to describe a sequence of events where one event triggers or follows another. It is commonly used in informal speech and writing. The nuance of this pattern is to convey a sense of suddenness or unexpectedness. It is often used in situations where the speaker is describing a surprise or an unexpected event.
A volitional verb in the second clause implies the speaker's will or intention, which is not allowed in this pattern.
The past tense (ta-form) is required before 'totan' to indicate the sequence of events.
'Shidai' is used to indicate a future plan or intention, whereas 'totan' is used to indicate a sequence of events.
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct form of the verb (ta-form) and to indicate the sequence of events clearly. Also, be careful not to confuse it with other patterns that indicate future plans or intentions.
窓を______とたん、強い風が入ってきた。
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