〜とたん totan

〜とたん（totan）means “the moment ~; just as ~”. Indicates that immediately after one action is completed, another (usually unexpected) event happens. Formation: V-た＋とたん（に）

the moment ~; just as ~

N3

Formation

V-た＋とたん（に）

Explanation

Indicates that immediately after one action is completed, another (usually unexpected) event happens. The second clause is something the speaker did not control or foresee; it must describe an actual past occurrence, not a command, request, or intention.

Examples

ドアを開けたとたん、猫が飛び出してきた。
どあをあけたとたん、ねこがとびだしてきた。
The moment I opened the door, the cat came darting out.
立ち上がったとたんに、めまいがした。
たちあがったとたんに、めまいがした。
The instant I stood up, I felt dizzy.

Note

Only attaches to V-た form. The second clause cannot be a command, request, or the speaker's volition.

FAQ

〜とたん — what does it mean and how is it used?

the moment ~; just as ~. Indicates that immediately after one action is completed, another (usually unexpected) event happens. The second clause is something the speaker did not control or foresee; it must describe an actual past occurrence, not a command, request, or intention.

〜とたん — how do you form it?

V-た＋とたん（に）

〜とたん — any usage notes?

Only attaches to V-た form. The second clause cannot be a command, request, or the speaker's volition.

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