JLPT N3 grammar

〜たとたんmeaning and usage

Meaning

As soon as A (occurred), B

This point is also listed at N2.

How to form it

  • verb (ta-form)とたん（に）

How it is used

'The moment A happened, B', where B is sudden and unexpected. The second half is an observed fact, not the speaker's intention, request or command. Unlike 「〜てすぐ」, it stresses surprise.

Examples

  1. その物音を聞いたとたんに、私の弟は泣きだした。

    On hearing the noise, my brother started to cry.

  2. ドアを開けたとたん、猫が飛び出してきた。

    The moment I opened the door, the cat came darting out.

  3. 家に着いたとたんに、雨が降り出した。

    Just as I got home, it started to rain.