〜か〜ないかのうちに

Pattern
〜か〜ないかのうちに
Level
N1
Reading
かないかのうちに
Meaning
Just as; no sooner than
Attaches to
Verb た-form
Nuance & register

Describes two actions happening almost simultaneously, with the second action occurring immediately after the first.

Example

先生が教室に入ったか入らないかのうちに、生徒たちは静かになった。 No sooner had the teacher entered the classroom than the students became quiet.

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