〜かと思えば

Meaning

~かと思えば expresses the pattern where one event happens, but immediately afterwards, something contrasting or unexpected occurs. It emphasizes the swift succession and often surprising nature of the second event. This pattern is used to describe situations with significant changes or shifts.

Formation

Examples

1. 9月に入ってやっと涼しくなったかと思えば、また急に暑くなって残暑が厳しい。
   Just when September arrived and it finally cooled down, it suddenly became hot again and the lingering summer heat became severe.

2. 楽しみにしていた小説がやっと発売されたかと思えば、書店であっという間に売り切れてしまった。
   The novel I was looking forward to finally went on sale, but it sold out instantly at the bookstore.

3. 息子は学校から帰ってきたかと思えば、またすぐ遊びに出かけていった。
   My son came home from school and immediately went out to play again right after.

4. 彼は今回新しい職場できちんと働いていたかと思えば、またやめてしまった。本当に根気がない人だなあ。
   I thought he was working properly at his new job this time, but he quit again. He really lacks perseverance.

Summary

• Pattern: past tense verb + かと思えば + contrasting event
• Shows rapid succession of two events with emphasis on sudden change or contrast
• Often used when something unexpected happens right after the first event; conveys surprise or irony