た途端に
The instant or moment, As soon as, Just as
Structure
Explanation
たとたんに, which is often written with its kanji as た途端に, is a grammar pattern that expresses that one thing happens 'just as', or 'as soon as' another thing does. It is constructed from the auxiliary verb た (which marks a completed action), and the noun 途端 'in that very moment' used as an adverb (with the particle に).
(A) た途端に (B) is used to show that (B) is something that happens suddenly, and is often a surprising or unanticipated event that the speaker did not intend to cause.
- 窓を開けた途端に、強い風が入ってきた。The moment I opened the window, a strong gust of wind came in.
- 席に座った途端に、赤ちゃんが泣き出した。The moment I sat down, the baby burst into tears.
Because 途端 literally means 'the very moment', it emphasizes that the (B) action happens with no time in between (A), or even at the exact same time that (A) finishes.
Examples
ボタンを押した途端、警報が鳴り響いた。
The moment I pressed the button, an alarm blared.
彼は立ち上がった途端、めまいがしてふらついた。
The moment he stood up, he felt dizzy and stumbled.
一口飲んだ途端に、あまりの辛さにむせてしまった。
The instant I took a sip, I choked on how spicy it was.
映画が終わった途端、観客から拍手が沸き起こった。
The moment the movie ended, the audience burst into applause.
駅に着いた途端に、電車のドアが閉まってしまった。
The instant I arrived at the station, the train doors closed.
「さようなら」と言った途端に、後悔の気持ちが込み上げてきた。
The moment I said "goodbye," I was overcome with regret.
電気を消した途端、暗闇の中から奇妙な音がした。
As soon as I turned off the light, a strange noise came from the darkness.
赤ちゃんはソファに寝かせた途端、大声で泣き始めた。
The moment I laid the baby down on the sofa, he started crying loudly.
学校を卒業した途端に、友人たちと疎遠になってしまった。
As soon as I graduated from school, I drifted apart from my friends.
やっと決心した途端に、別の選択肢の方が良く見え始めた。
The moment I finally made up my mind, the other option started to look better.
ドアを閉めた途端、鍵を中に忘れたことに気づいた。
The instant I closed the door, I realized I had left my keys inside.
彼の名前を聞いた途端、顔が浮かんだ。
The moment I heard his name, I could picture his face.