Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
~たかと思ったら (〜ta ka to omottara)

~たかと思ったら (〜ta ka to omottara)

Short explanation:

Express a sequence of events happening in quick succession or immediately following; 'as soon as', 'no sooner than'.

Formation:

Verb-たform + かと思ったら

Examples:

電話をかけたかと思ったら、すぐに彼女が出た。
Denwa wo kaketa ka to omottara, sugu ni kanojo ga deta.
As soon as I made the phone call, she picked up.
離陸したかと思ったら、飛行機が揺れ始めた。
Ririku shita ka to omottara, hikouki ga yurehajimeta.
No sooner had we taken off than the plane began to shake.
買い物に行ったかと思ったら、雨が降ってきた。
Kaimono ni itta ka to omottara, ame ga futtekita.
As soon as I went shopping, it started raining.
仕事を終わったかと思ったら、上司が追加の仕事を持ってきた。
Shigoto wo owatta ka to omottara, joushi ga tsuika no shigoto wo motte kita.
As soon as I finished my work, my boss brought additional tasks.

Long explanation:

The ~たかと思ったら grammar point is used to indicate that one action occurs immediately or quickly after another action has occurred, translating to 'as soon as' or 'no sooner than' in English. The formation adds the structure to a verb in the past tense (た-form).

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~たかと思ったら (〜ta ka to omottara)

Japanese Grammar Point: ~たかと思ったら (〜ta ka to omottara)

Grammar Point: ~たかと思ったら (〜ta ka to omottara)

1. Introduction

The expression "〜たかと思ったら" is commonly used in Japanese to convey a sense of surprise or realization following an action or situation that was just perceived. This grammar point adds a nuance of contrast between expectation and reality. It is often used to narrate events where something happens unexpectedly after a prior assumption or thought.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

  • Meaning: "Just when I thought (it was...)"
  • Structure:
    • The expression follows a verb in its past form (た-form) plus "かと思ったら" which indicates that what follows is a contrast or unexpected outcome.

Structure Breakdown

  • Verb (in た-form) + かと思ったら
    • Example: 買った (katta - bought) + かと思ったら (ka to omottara)
    • Combined: 買ったかと思ったら (katta ka to omottara) - "Just when I thought I bought it..."

Formation Diagram

[ Verb (た-form) ] + かと思ったら
           ↓
       〜たかと思ったら

Visual Aids

Element Description Example
Verb (た-form) Past tense of a verb 行った (itta) - went
かと思ったら Connecting phrase かと思ったら
Meaning Indicating unexpected contrast "Just when I thought..."

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Points

  • Using 〜たら: While "〜たら" also indicates an expected outcome or condition, "〜たかと思ったら" emphasizes the surprise of a different outcome.
    • Example:
      • たら: 行ったら驚いた (itta ra odoroita) - "If I had gone, I would be surprised."
      • 〜たかと思ったら: 行ったかと思ったら、いなかった (itta ka to omottara, inakatta) - "Just when I thought I went, I wasn't there."

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  1. Informal:
    • 彼はすぐ帰るかと思ったら、まだいるよ。
    • (Kare wa sugu kaeru ka to omottara, mada iru yo.)
    • "Just when I thought he would go home right away, he’s still here."
  2. Formal:
    • 雨が止んだかと思ったら、また降り出しました。
    • (Ame ga yanda ka to omottara, mata furidashimashita.)
    • "Just when I thought the rain had stopped, it started again."
  3. Spoken:
    • 彼女が食べたかと思ったら、全部残ってた!
    • (Kanojo ga tabeta ka to omottara, zenbu nokotteta!)
    • "Just when I thought she ate it all, there was still a lot left!"
  4. Written:
    • 期待したかと思ったら、結果は惨敗だった。
    • (Kitai shita ka to omottara, kekka wa sanpai datta.)
    • "Just when I thought I had hope, the result was a complete defeat."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Using "〜たかと思ったら" reflects the Japanese cultural value placed on indirectness and subtlety in communication. It showcases how individuals manage expectations and the often surprising nature of reality.

Levels of Politeness

This phrase can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but ensure to adjust the verb forms and surrounding context according to the social setting.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • Idiom: "思った以上に" (omottazai ni) - "more than I thought" often used in a similar surprise context.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Common Mistake: Using the negative form incorrectly with this grammar point.
    • Incorrect: 行かなかったかと思ったら (ikanakatta ka to omottara - "Just when I thought I did not go.")
    • Correct: 行ったかと思ったら (itta ka to omottara) - "Just when I thought I went."

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Remember it as "Bam! Just when I thought..." to help recall the surprise element involved in this structure.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase "〜たかと思ったら" serves to express surprise about an unexpected outcome following a thought or assumption.
  • It is formed using the past tense of a verb followed by "かと思ったら."
  • It can be used in both formal and informal Japanese contexts.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. How do you form the structure of "〜たかと思ったら"?
  2. Translate the following: "Just when I thought it was finished, it started again."
  3. What is a common mistake learners make with this expression? By using to understand and apply "〜たかと思ったら," you can enhance your fluency in expressing nuanced thoughts and surprise in conversational Japanese!
hanabira.org

Ace your Japanese JLPT N5-N1 preparation.

Disclaimer

Public Alpha version Open Source (GitHub). This site is currently undergoing active development. You may (will) encounter bugs, inconsistencies, or limited functionality. Lots of sentences might not sound natural. We are progressively addressing these issues with native speakers.


花びら散る

夢のような跡

朝露に

Copyright 2024 @hanabira.org