そばから
(soba kara)
As soon as; right after
Usage Frequency
UNCOMMON
N1
JLPT
Definition
Indicates that something happens as soon as or immediately after something else; often used to express frustration that something is quickly undone or counteracted.
How to Use
Verb dictionary form + そばから
Common Usage
Verb dictionary form + そばから
Context, Limitations and Specificities
When to use?
Used to describe situations where an action is quickly followed by another, often contradictory, action.
Limitations and specificities
Not commonly used in formal writing or speech.
Primarily used to express a negative or frustrated feeling towards the situation.
Example Sentences
覚えるそばから忘れる。
おぼえるそばからわすれる。
Oboeru soba kara wasureru.
I forget as soon as I learn.
食べるそばからお腹がすく。
たべるそばからおなかがすく。
Taberu soba kara onaka ga suku.
I get hungry as soon as I eat.
子どもが片付けるそばから散らかす。
こどもがかたづけるそばからちらかす。
Kodomo ga katazukeru soba kara chirakasu.
My child makes a mess as soon as I tidy up.
手紙を書くそばから忘れられる。
てがみをかくそばからわすれられる。
Tegami o kaku soba kara wasurerareru.
My letters are forgotten as soon as I write them.
薬を飲むそばから眠くなる。
くすりをのむそばからねむくなる。
Kusuri o nomu soba kara nemuku naru.
I get sleepy as soon as I take the medicine.
花を育てるそばから枯れる。
はなをそだてるそばからかれる。
Hana o sodateru soba kara kareru.
The flowers wilt as soon as I grow them.
本を買うそばから読む。
ほんをかうそばからよむ。
Hon o kau soba kara yomu.
I read the book as soon as I buy it.
友達に会うそばから笑う。
ともだちにあうそばからわらう。
Tomodachi ni au soba kara warau.
I laugh as soon as I meet my friend.
掃除するそばから汚れる。
そうじするそばからよごれる。
Souji suru soba kara yogoreru.
It gets dirty as soon as I clean.
コーヒーを飲むそばからさめる。
こーひーをのむそばからさめる。
Kōhī o nomu soba kara sameru.
The coffee gets cold as soon as I drink it.