時間・時点N1
〜が早いか
the moment... / no sooner... than...
Structure
V-辞書形／た形 + が早いか
Explanation
The moment the first action ends, the second happens immediately. Attached to the dictionary/ta-form of verbs.
Examples
ベルが鳴るが早いか、子供たちは教室を飛び出した。
The moment the bell rang, the children dashed out of the classroom.
彼は話し終わるが早いか、席を立った。
No sooner had he finished speaking than he stood up.
Note
Synonymous with か〜ないかのうちに and やいなや. The main clause is an instantaneous action.
Related Grammar
〜か〜ないかのうちに〜やいなや