〜かと思ったら／かと思うと: meaning and usage

How to form it

• verb (ta-form)+かと思ったら
• verb (ta-form)+かと思うと

How it is used

Right after A happens, B follows, often as a surprising change: 'no sooner had A than B'. It describes something the speaker observes, so it is not used for one's own actions.

Examples

1. 一つ通りすぎたかと思うと、すぐ次の台風が接近する。

   No sooner has one typhoon passed than the next one approaches.

2. 空が暗くなったかと思うと、急に雨が降ってきた。

   No sooner had the sky gone dark than it suddenly started to rain.

3. 赤ちゃんは泣いたかと思ったら、もう笑っている。

   The baby was crying a moment ago and is already laughing now.