〜が早いか
Formation
Meaning
Indicates that as soon as one action occurs, another action happens immediately after.
Note
A formal and written expression indicating a rapid succession of events. Often used when the second action is sudden or unexpected. It is typically used for third-party actions and cannot be used for the speaker's own intentions, commands, or requests.
Examples
チャイムが鳴るが早いか、生徒たちは教室を飛び出した。
No sooner had the chime rung than the students rushed out of the classroom.
ベルが鳴るが早いか、彼女は受話器を取った。
No sooner had the bell rung than she picked up the receiver.
ドアが開くが早いか、犬が外へ飛び出していった。
No sooner had the door opened than the dog dashed outside.
そのニュースを聞くが早いか、彼は家を飛び出した。
No sooner had he heard the news than he rushed out of the house.
授業が終わるが早いか、彼は校門を出て行った。
No sooner was the class over than he left the school gate.
店が開くが早いか、客がなだれ込んできた。
No sooner had the shop opened than customers came flooding in.