が早いか【がはやいか】

が早いか is a literary and emphatic expression meaning "no sooner than" or "the instant that." It describes a situation where a second action happens almost simultaneously with – or immediately after – the completion of the first action. The speed and immediacy are emphasized, often with a sense of surprise or drama.

Structure

The pattern attaches to the dictionary form (non-past) of a verb, though occasionally the past form is also seen:

• V[dictionary form] + が早いか

Key nuances

• The second clause always describes something that actually happened (past tense). You cannot use が早いか to talk about hypothetical or future events.
• The subject of the first and second clauses can be the same or different.
• The expression carries a dramatic, literary tone and is more commonly found in written Japanese, novels, and formal narration rather than casual conversation.
• It emphasizes that the second action occurred so quickly that it seemed almost simultaneous with the first.

Comparison with similar grammar

• やいなや否や (やいなや): Very similar in meaning and formality. Both are literary and express immediate succession.
• たとたん: Also means "just as," but is slightly less dramatic and more common in everyday language. It requires the past form (た) before とたん.
• なり: Similar literary expression meaning "as soon as," but typically requires the same subject in both clauses.