Time and sequence

～や否や

as soon as; the moment that

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How to form it

  • Verb (dictionary form) + や否や

Register: Formal, written

Explanation

Says that something happened immediately after another action. It is a formal alternative to とたん.

The second event follows right on the first. It is found in written narrative and news rather than casual speech.

Examples

  1. 家に着くや否や、雨が降り出した。

    いえにつくやいなや、あめがふりだした。

    The moment I got home, it started to rain.

  2. 彼は席に着くや否や、寝てしまった。

    かれはせきにつくやいなや、ねてしまった。

    As soon as he sat down, he fell asleep.

  3. ベルが鳴るや否や、学生たちは教室を飛び出した。

    ベルがなるやいなや、がくせいたちはきょうしつをとびだした。

    The moment the bell rang, the students dashed out of the classroom.

Compare with

  • ～たとたん(に): たとたん is common in everyday use; や否や is more formal and literary.

Common mistakes

  • Using it for a request or an intention in the second clause.