N3161/219

たとたんに

V-た + とたんにNの + とたんに

Meanings

  • The instant or moment
  • As soon as
  • Just as

About this pattern

Explanation

たとたんに expresses that something happens immediately at the very moment another event occurs. It emphasizes a sudden, almost immediate transition from one action/state to another, with little to no time between them. It can feel dramatic or surprising and often contrasts with more neutral connectors like すぐに. Commonly used after a verb in the past plain form (V-た) or after a noun (Nの) to describe what happens right after that action or state.

Learn in context

Example sentences

電車を降りたとたんに、雨が降り出した。

The moment I got off the train, it started raining.

彼がドアを開けたとたんに、猫が部屋に飛び込んできた。

As soon as he opened the door, a cat rushed into the room.

料理を完成させたとたんに、電話が鳴った。

Just as I finished the dish, the phone rang.