〜そばから

Meaning

This pattern describes how an action is immediately followed by another, with no pause in between. It is also used to express that a certain state occurs repeatedly. It is especially common when describing situations that keep recurring despite one's efforts or attention.

Formation

Examples

1. うちの店のクリームパンは大人気で、店頭に出したそばから売れていく。
   Our shop's cream buns are so popular that they sell out the moment they're put on display.

2. 段差があるから気を付けるように言ったそばから、高橋くんはつまずいてしまった。
   Right after I told him to watch out for the step, Takahashi tripped and fell.

3. 意見を言うそばから否定されると何も言えなくなる。
   When your opinions are shot down the moment you voice them, you end up unable to say anything at all.

4. 部屋を綺麗にしたそばから息子がお菓子をこぼしたので、自分で掃除するように言った。
   Right after I cleaned the room, my son spilled snacks everywhere, so I told him to clean it up himself.

Summary

• 「〜そばから」 means "as soon as..., just after..."
• Attaches to Verb (dictionary form) or Verb (た-form)