が早いか (ga ika)

Meaning & usage

が早いか means something happens immediately after another action, with no delay. It attaches to the plain (dictionary) form of a verb and describes two events occurring in rapid succession, as in the bell ringing and students leaving at once. It is a formal, literary expression.

Example sentences 6

1. 山やまの麓ふもとに日ひが昇のぼるが早はやいかただ一人ひとり山やまを登のぼり始はじめた。

   The sun had barely risen at the foot of the mountain when she set out alone up the slope.

2. タクシーと地下鉄、どっちで行くほうが早いかな？

   Which is quicker, a taxi or the subway?

3. 授業の終わりのベルが鳴るが早いか、生徒達は教室を出て行った。

   As soon as the school bell rang, the students left the classroom.

4. オンラインで申し込む方が早いかもよ。

   It may be faster if you apply online.

5. オンライン申請する方が早いかもね。

   If you apply online, it might be faster.

6. 極めて緊急事態だったから、信号の色が変わるが早いか、父は車を発進させた。

   Since it was an extremely urgent situation, my father sped up the car as soon as the traffic light changed.