Back to grammar pattern list

N1

〜そばから

Meaning

Indicates that no matter what one does, a situation immediately and repeatedly negates it. Mostly used for the frustrating situation where effort goes to waste.

Examples

片づけるそばから、子どもが部屋を散らかしていく。 As fast as I tidy up, the children make a mess of the room again.
稼ぐそばから使ってしまい、一向に貯金が増えない。 He spends money as fast as he earns it, so his savings never grow.

Ask AI about this pattern

Claude Opus

Log in to ask AI about the items you selected (up to 10 times a day).