Processing keyword: A。すると B。(~suruto)

Japanese Grammar Point: A。すると B。(~suruto)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point 「A。すると B。」, pronounced ~すると. This structure is used to indicate that upon the completion of action A, action B immediately follows, often with a sense of surprise or unexpectedness.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

すると connects two sentences to mean:

• "Then...",
• "And then...",
• "Thereupon...",
• "Immediately after..." It implies that B happens directly after A, sometimes with a causal relationship or element of surprise.

Structure

[Sentence A in the past tense]。すると [Sentence B]。

• Sentence A: An action or event that has occurred.
• すると: Conjunction meaning "then" or "and then".
• Sentence B: The subsequent action or event that happens immediately after A.

Formation Diagram

Component	Function
Sentence A。	Describes the first action/event
すると	Conjunction meaning "then/and then"
Sentence B。	Describes the following action/event

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3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

Grammar Point	Meaning	Nuance
そして	"And", "And then"	Simply adds information; sequential but less immediate
それから	"After that", "And then"	Indicates sequence; can imply a time gap
すると	"Then", "Thereupon"	Immediate succession; often unexpected or surprising

• Difference: すると emphasizes that action B occurs immediately after action A, sometimes unexpectedly. そして and それから denote sequence but without the immediacy or surprise.

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4. Examples in Context

Example 1

Sentence:

• 子供たちは遊びに出かけた。すると、雨が降り始めた。 Reading:
• こどもたちは あそびに でかけた。すると、あめが ふりはじめた。 Translation:
• "The children went out to play. Then, it began to rain."

Example 2

Sentence:

• ドアを開けた。すると、猫が飛び出してきた。 Reading:
• ドアを あけた。すると、ねこが とびだしてきた。 Translation:
• "I opened the door. Thereupon, a cat jumped out at me."

Example 3

Sentence:

• 薬を飲んだ。すると、すぐに痛みが消えた。 Reading:
• くすりを のんだ。すると、すぐに いたみが きえた。 Translation:
• "I took the medicine. Then, the pain immediately went away."

Example 4 (Formal/Written)

Sentence:

• 研究結果を分析した。すると、予想外の事実が明らかになった。 Reading:
• けんきゅうけっかを ぶんせきした。すると、よそうがいの じじつが あきらかになった。 Translation:
• "We analyzed the research results. Then, unexpected facts came to light."

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• すると is commonly used in storytelling and narratives.
• It helps build suspense or highlight surprising developments.

Idiomatic Expressions

• するとどうだろう: "Then, what do you think happened?" Used to pique interest before revealing something surprising.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using すると without proper context: Since すると implies immediacy and sometimes surprise, using it for unrelated or long-separated events can sound unnatural.
   • Incorrect: 朝ごはんを食べた。すると、寝た。
   • Correct: 朝ごはんを食べた。それから、寝た。
2. Confusing with そして: Remember that そして simply connects actions in a sequence but lacks the immediacy or unexpectedness of すると.

Tips

• Mnemonic Device: Think of する (to do) + と (if/when), implying "when you do A, then B happens."
• To check if すると fits, see if B follows A immediately and if there's an element of surprise.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• すると is a conjunction meaning "then" or "and then," used to indicate that action B occurs immediately after action A.
• Often carries a sense of immediacy or unexpectedness.
• Common in narratives to build suspense or highlight surprising events.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does すると imply about the relationship between actions A and B? A) They happen simultaneously. B) B happens long after A. C) B happens immediately after A, often unexpectedly.
2. Choose the correct conjunction:
   映画を見た。____、感動して泣いてしまった。 A) そして B) すると Answers:
   1. C) B happens immediately after A, often unexpectedly.
   2. B) すると

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By understanding 「A。すると B。」, you can enhance your storytelling in Japanese, making your narratives more engaging and natural.

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