GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜そばから
Describes a situation in which the result of an action is undone immediately afterward or the same problem keeps recurring.
Examples
机を片づけるそばから、子どもたちが新しい本を広げていく。
As soon as I clear the desk, the children start spreading out new books again.
Words used
説明するそばから、質問が増えていった。
As soon as I explained something, more questions kept coming.
Words used
新しい単語を覚えるそばから忘れてしまう。
As soon as I learn a new word, I forget it.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Attach
そばからto a verb's dictionary or ta-form to describe an action immediately having its effect undone or a troublesome pattern recurring. - Basic usage:
新しい単語を覚えるそばから忘れてしまう。means that newly learned words keep slipping from memory almost at once.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Recurrence versus a single quick transition
そばからfocuses on a pattern of doing something only to have the problem recur.や否やcan emphasize the short interval between two actions even in a one-time event.