かと思うと (kato uto)

Meaning & usage

かと思うと follows a plain-form verb or a noun/phrase and shows that one thing happens immediately after another, or that a realisation strikes the speaker. It often carries a sense of surprise at how quickly the second event follows the first.

Example sentences 5

1. クリスがどんなにむかつくかと思おもうと、頭あたまが痛いたくなりそう。

   My head starts to hurt when I think about how annoying Chris is.

2. １つが通り過ぎたかと思うと、すぐに次の台風が接近する。

   No sooner has one typhoon passed than the next one approaches.

3. あと3年でアラサーかと思うととても辛いな。

   It hurts to realise I'll be 30 in just 3 years.

4. 稲妻が光ったかと思うと雷がなった。

   After the lightning, came the thunder.

5. もっと話せるようになったら、もっと友達が増えるんじゃないかと思うと頑張れるよ。

   I'm doing my best to get better at speaking, since I think the better I get, the more friends I can make.