〜たとたん(に): the moment that… is a JLPT N2 grammar point. Something unexpected happens the instant an action ends. Structure: V-た + とたん(に). This page explains the construction, gives Japanese examples with furigana readings, and links to related grammar points at this level.

〜たとたん(に): the moment that…

Structure

V-た + とたん(に)

Explanation

とたん follows the past た form: 開けたとたん “the moment I opened it…”. The second clause is something sudden and beyond the speaker's control: it cannot be an intention or an order. For a planned sequence, use 〜たらすぐに instead.

Examples

The moment I opened the window, cold air rushed in.

The instant I stood up, I felt dizzy.

Quiz preview

  • 開けた ✓
  • 開ける
  • 開けて
  • 開けよう

とたん follows the past た form only: 開けたとたん.

  • とたんに ✓
  • ながらに
  • うちに
  • ままに

A sudden, uncontrolled event right after the action → とたんに.

More N2 grammar points

〜にもかかわらず: despite / in spite of〜ざるを得ない: have no choice but to〜一方だ: keep …ing (one-way trend)〜に違いない: must be (certainty)〜どころか: far from / let alone〜わけにはいかない: can't afford to〜に応じて: according to〜ものの: although / but〜ばかりでなく: not only… but also〜ようがない: no way to…〜に関して: concerning / regarding

See all N2 points →