← All grammar
〜や否や
No sooner / as soon as — immediate sequence
Formation
Verb (plain present) + や否や
Usage
A formal expression meaning that as soon as one action happens, the next occurs immediately. The second action is often a surprise. Only used in written or formal speech.
Example sentences
ベルが鳴るや否や、学生たちは教室を飛び出した。
No sooner did the bell ring than the students rushed out of the classroom.
家に着くや否や、雨が降り出した。
As soon as I got home, it started raining.
その知らせを聞くや否や、彼女は泣き出した。
As soon as she heard the news, she burst into tears.
試合が終わるや否や、観客は立ち上がって拍手した。
No sooner did the game end than the audience stood up and applauded.
ドアが開くや否や、猫が飛び込んできた。
As soon as the door opened, the cat rushed in.
Related grammar