"As soon as": как только
To describe a sequence where one event happens immediately after another, use the phrase как только (as soon as). It signals that the second action starts the very moment the first one ends.
| As soon as I woke up, I smiled. | Как только я проснулся, я улыбнулся. |
Rapid Sequences and Perfective Verbs
Because как только describes a sequence of completed events, it usually pairs with perfective verbs. Perfective verbs highlight the completion or sudden start of an action.
| As soon as mom fell asleep, the child started crying. | Как только мама уснула, ребёнок заплакал. |
| As soon as the baby woke up, he screamed. | Как только малыш проснулся, он закричал. |
Cause and Effect Reactions
Often, the first event is the direct trigger for the second. This is especially common with sudden reactions like getting scared, shouting, or running away:
| As soon as the cat got scared, it hid. | Как только кот испугался, он спрятался. |
| As soon as the new students saw the exam, they got scared. | Как только новые студенты увидели экзамен, они испугались. |
Layering Sentences
You can combine как только with other conjunctions, like хотя (although), to add background context. Just remember to separate your clauses with commas!
| Although the evening was interesting, as soon as the guests left, we fell asleep. | Хотя вечер был интересный, как только гости ушли, мы уснули. |
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