〜や否や
Formation
Meaning
No sooner than; as soon as.
Note
A formal, literary expression used to describe an immediate sequence of actions. The second clause cannot contain volitional expressions (will, intention), commands, or negative forms, and often describes an unexpected event.
Examples
彼女は、私を見るや否や泣き出した。
No sooner had she seen me than she burst into tears.
チャイムが鳴るや否や、生徒たちは教室から飛び出した。
No sooner did the chime ring than the students rushed out of the classroom.
犯人は、警官の姿を見るや否や逃げ出した。
No sooner did the culprit see the police officer than he fled.
彼は、家に帰ってくるや否やパソコンに向かった。
No sooner did he return home than he headed for the computer.
その知らせを聞くや否や、彼は飛び上がって喜んだ。
As soon as he heard the news, he jumped for joy.
飛行機が着陸するや否や、多くの客が携帯電話を取り出した。
No sooner did the plane land than many passengers took out their mobile phones.