JLPT N1

～や否や

As soon as, no sooner than

Structure

Verb-dictionary form + や否や

How it works

This phrase signifies that one event occurred immediately after another, with virtually no interval. It emphasizes the swiftness and unexpectedness of the subsequent action.

Examples

ベルが鳴るや否や、生徒たちは教室から飛び出した。

As soon as the bell rang, the students rushed out of the classroom.

Common mistakes

Using it for planned or slow sequence of events. It's reserved for rapid, often instinctual reactions.

Tip

Think of it as 'no sooner had X happened, than Y happened'. 'や' emphasizes the immediate connection, '否や' means 'or not', suggesting no delay.

More JLPT N1 grammar

いかんによらずをもってをものともせずともなるとであれたりとも~ないに足る極まりない

See ～や否や in real Japanese

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