そばから
“As soon as … (the same thing happens again) / No sooner than … (it repeats)” → Used to express that an action is immediately undone, repeated, or counteracted, often implying ineffectiveness, futility, or frustration.
N1
Meaning
“As soon as … (the same thing happens again) / No sooner than … (it repeats)” → Used to express that an action is immediately undone, repeated, or counteracted, often implying ineffectiveness, futility, or frustration.
Formation
Verb (dictionary form) + そばから
Explanation
そばから is used when the speaker wants to say that:
Action A is done
Immediately after, the same problem happens again
As a result, the action feels useless or ineffective
This grammar strongly implies:
repetition
lack of lasting effect
mild criticism or resignation
It is commonly used in:
everyday explanations
complaints
descriptive writing
JLPT N1 reading passages
💡 Core nuance:
“Even though it’s done, it immediately goes back to how it was.”