1.
the moment, just as, as soon as
The exact moment when something happens, typically used in the pattern 〜た途端(に) to express that something occurred immediately after another action.
家を出た途端に雨が降り始めた。
The moment I left the house, it started raining.
〜た途端に = the moment ~
彼の顔を見た途端、昔のことを思い出した。
The moment I saw his face, I remembered the old days.
電話が切れた途端に後悔した。
I felt regret the moment the call ended.
GRAMMAR: 途端 is typically used in the pattern 「Verb た-form + 途端(に)」 meaning 'the moment that ~' or 'as soon as ~'. The に is optional.
PATTERN:
- 〜た途端(に) = the moment ~, as soon as ~
USAGE NOTES:
- The second action usually happens immediately and unexpectedly
- Often used for sudden changes or realizations
- Similar to 〜たとたん, 〜やいなや, 〜が早いか
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 〜や否や (as soon as - more literary)
- 〜たところ (when, upon doing)
- 〜と同時に (at the same time as)
- 〜次第 (as soon as - formal)
NOTE: The kanji 途端 literally means 'the edge of the path' - the precise moment of transition.