拍子に (hyoushi-ni): Just when; in the act of
～拍子に (hyoushi-ni)
Meaning
Just when; in the act of
Formation and usage
Vた／Nの + 拍子に
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.
Explanation
An action or sudden movement triggers an unintended result.
Examples
会議の会場で立ち上がった拍子に、コップを倒した。
As I stood up at the venue for the meeting, I knocked over a glass.
試験の会場で立ち上がった拍子に、コップを倒した。
As I stood up at the venue for the exam, I knocked over a glass.
研修の会場で立ち上がった拍子に、コップを倒した。
As I stood up at the venue for the training session, I knocked over a glass.
発表会の会場で立ち上がった拍子に、コップを倒した。
As I stood up at the venue for the presentation event, I knocked over a glass.
面接の会場で立ち上がった拍子に、コップを倒した。
As I stood up at the venue for the interview, I knocked over a glass.
How related patterns differ
た上で requires a prior step; dictionary form plus 上で sets an activity's scope. 最中に means in the middle, while 拍子に often triggers an accidental result. に先立って precedes an occasion; に際して introduces the occasion itself.