〜かと思うと／かと思ったら

Meaning

This pattern describes two events occurring in quick succession, where the second event happens almost immediately after the first and is often unexpected or surprising. It emphasizes the rapid transition between the two actions. Use the past tense form of a verb (ta-form) + かと思うと or かと思ったら to show this contrast.

Formation

Examples

1. あの人は急に立ち上がったかと思うと、すごく速いスピードで走り出した。
   The moment that person stood up, he started running at great speed.

2. あのデパートの福袋がやっと販売されたかと思ったら、あっという間に売り切れてしまった。
   Just when the department store's lucky bags finally went on sale, they sold out in an instant.

3. 達也くんはテニス部に入ったかと思ったら、サッカー部に入っていた。新しいスポーツに挑戦したいんだって。
   I thought Tatsuya joined the tennis club, but it turns out he joined the soccer club instead. He said he wanted to try a new sport.

Summary

• Shows two events happening in rapid succession with little time between them
• The second event is typically unexpected, surprising, or contrary to expectation
• Use past tense verb + かと思うと/かと思ったら; both forms are interchangeable