Using Toki (When/Time) to Connect Sentences
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {時|とき} (toki) to connect two events by saying 'when' one thing happens, another follows.
- Use plain form verbs before {時|とき}: {食べる|たべる} {時|とき} (when I eat).
- Use 'na-adjectives' with 'na': {暇|ひま}な {時|とき} (when I am free).
- Use 'i-adjectives' directly: {忙しい|いそがしい} {時|とき} (when I am busy).
Overview
To precisely communicate events in time, Japanese utilizes the noun 時 (toki), meaning "time" or "when." Unlike English, where "when" can function as both a question word and a conjunction, Japanese maintains a clear distinction. 時 serves as a temporal marker, transforming a preceding clause into a descriptor of a specific moment or period. This structure allows you to establish the chronological context for a subsequent action or state, such as "when I was a child" or "when you go to the store."
Mastering 時 involves understanding how the grammatical form of the verb, adjective, or noun preceding it dictates the relative timing between the two connected clauses. This relative tense is a fundamental aspect of Japanese temporal expressions, allowing for nuanced distinctions that often require more verbose phrasing in English. By correctly employing 時, you achieve a high degree of clarity regarding whether an action is concurrent, completed, or habitual in relation to the main event.
This grammar point is classified at an A2 (Elementary) CEFR level because it enables learners to construct more complex sentences and narratives, moving beyond simple linear statements. It is a highly frequent and indispensable component of everyday Japanese conversation and written communication, providing the foundation for discussing past experiences, future plans, and general conditions with accuracy.
How This Grammar Works
時 functions as a noun that signifies a temporal point or period. The clause immediately preceding 時 acts as a modifier, much like an adjective modifies a noun. This construction essentially means "the time when [clause happens]." The relationship between the modifying clause and the main clause is determined by the form of the verb, i-adjective, na-adjective, or noun attached to 時.時 does not necessarily reflect the absolute past or present of the entire sentence. Instead, it indicates the relative timing of the modifying clause's action or state with respect to the main clause's action. This concept of relative tense is paramount for accurate usage and is often a source of confusion for learners.- Plain Form (Dictionary Form) +
時: When a verb in its plain, non-past (dictionary) form precedes時, it indicates that the action of the modifying clause is either ongoing, habitual, or has not yet occurred at the time the main clause's event takes place. It sets a condition that is true before or during the commencement of the main action. This form can describe a general circumstance or an action concurrent with the start of the main event. - Example:
日本に行く時、切符を買いました。(Nihon ni iku toki, kippu o kaimashita.) - "When going to Japan (i.e., before or as I was about to go), I bought a ticket." Here, buying the ticket happens before or simultaneously with the act of going. - Example:
寝る時、いつも電気を消します。(Neru toki, itsumo denki o keshimasu.) - "When I sleep (habitually, or before I fall asleep), I always turn off the light." The action of turning off the light precedes or is concurrent with falling asleep.
- Ta-Form (Past Form) +
時: When a verb in its plain past (ta-) form precedes時, it signifies that the action of the modifying clause has already been completed before the main clause's event begins. It marks a moment or period after the preceding action is finished. - Example:
日本に行った時、お土産を買いました。(Nihon ni itta toki, omiyage o kaimashita.) - "When I went to Japan (i.e., after arriving and being in Japan), I bought souvenirs." Here, buying souvenirs happens after the act of going and arriving is complete. - Example:
ご飯を食べた時、お腹が痛くなりました。(Gohan o tabeta toki, onaka ga itaku narimashita.) - "When I had eaten (i.e., after finishing the meal), my stomach started to hurt." The stomachache occurred after the meal was finished.
i-adjectives, na-adjectives, and nouns, the plain form (present or past) directly sets the state or identity at that specific time.{に} (ni), {は} (wa), {も} (mo), {から} (kara), or {まで} (made) can follow 時 to add further nuance. Most commonly, {に} emphasizes a more specific point in time, often a singular occurrence, while 時 alone can refer to a general condition or a broader period. For instance, １０時に (jūji ni) means "at 10 o'clock," a definite point, whereas 子供の時 (kodomo no toki) means "when I was a child," a period.Formation Pattern
時 acts as a noun, the words preceding it connect in a manner analogous to how they would modify any other noun. The key is to use the appropriate plain form for verbs and adjectives, and specific particles for na-adjectives and nouns.
時 | 食べる時 (When eating) | 食べた時 (When I ate) |
時 | 書く時 (When writing) | 書いた時 (When I wrote) |
時 | 忙しい時 (When busy) | 忙しかった時 (When I was busy) |
{な} + 時 | 暇{な}時 (When free) | 暇{だった}時 (When I was free) |
{の} + 時 | 学生{の}時 (When a student) | (No specific past form, context implies) |
時:
図書館|としょかん}へ行く時、本を借りました。 (Toshokan e iku toki, hon o karimashita.) - "When going to the library, I borrowed a book." (Implies borrowing occurred before or during the journey to the library).
雨が降る時、傘が必要です。 (Ame ga furu toki, kasa ga hitsuyō desu.) - "When it rains, an umbrella is necessary." (A general condition).
時:
図書館へ行った時、面白い本を見つけました。 (Toshokan e itta toki, omoshiroi hon o mitsukemashita.) - "When I went to the library (i.e., after arriving there), I found an interesting book."
子供と遊んだ時、楽しかったです。 (Kodomo to asonda toki, tanoshikatta desu.) - "When I played with the children (i.e., after the playing session), it was fun."
時:
若い時、もっと勉強すればよかったです。 (Wakai toki, motto benkyō sureba yokatta desu.) - "When I was young, I wish I had studied more."
寒い時は、温かい物を食べたくなります。 (Samui toki wa, atatakai mono o tabetakunarimasu.) - "When it's cold, I want to eat something warm."
{な} + 時:
静か{な}時に、本を読むのが好きです。 (Shizuka na toki ni, hon o yomu no ga suki desu.) - "I like reading books when it's quiet."
大変{な}時には、お互い助け合いましょう。 (Taihen na toki ni wa, otagai tasukeaimashō.) - "Let's help each other in difficult times."
{の} + 時:
学生{の}時、よく旅行しました。 (Gakusei no toki, yoku ryokō shimashita.) - "When I was a student, I often traveled."
食事{の}時は、スマートフォンを使わないでください。 (Shokuji no toki wa, sumātofon o tsukawanaide kudasai.) - "Please don't use your smartphone during mealtime."
時 clause) conjugates independently for tense and politeness, maintaining the overall sentence's grammatical context. The word 時 itself has a flat pitch accent (H-L-L), similar to the word for "clock" (時計).
When To Use It
時 is highly versatile and used in a wide array of contexts to establish a temporal framework. You can employ this pattern whenever you need to specify when something happened, when something usually happens, or when something should happen. It functions to set the stage for the main action or state of your sentence.- Describing Past Memories and Experiences: Recall specific moments or periods from your past. The use of the ta-form before
時will be common here to indicate completed actions or states. 子供{の}時、空を飛びたいと思っていました。(Kodomo no toki, sora o tobitai to omotte imashita.) - "When I was a child, I used to think I wanted to fly."初めて日本へ行った時は、とても緊張しました。(Hajimete Nihon e itta toki wa, totemo kinchō shimashita.) - "When I first went to Japan, I was very nervous."
- Expressing General Conditions or Habits: For actions that occur regularly or under certain circumstances. The dictionary form of verbs is typically used here.
疲れている時は、甘いものが食べたくなります。(Tsukarete iru toki wa, amai mono ga tabetakunarimasu.) - "When I am tired, I feel like eating something sweet."図書館が閉まる時は、いつも寂しい気持ちになります。(Toshokan ga shimaru toki wa, itsumo sabishii kimochi ni narimasu.) - "When the library closes, I always feel lonely."
- Giving Instructions or Advice: To specify the appropriate moment for an action. Again, the dictionary form often applies to indicate an action that is about to occur or is concurrent.
危ない時は、すぐ助けを呼んでください。(Abunai toki wa, sugu tasuke o yonde kudasai.) - "When it's dangerous, please call for help immediately."信号が青に{なる}時に、渡ってください。(Shingō ga ao ni naru toki ni, watatte kudasai.) - "Please cross when the traffic light turns green."
- Describing States of Being or Conditions: When the
時clause describes a particular state rather than an action. 忙しい時は、なかなか連絡が{できません}。(Isogashii toki wa, nakanaka renraku ga dekimasen.) - "When I'm busy, I can't really make contact."体調が悪い時は、無理をしないでください。(Taichō ga warui toki wa, muri o shinaide kudasai.) - "When you're not feeling well, please don't push yourself."
時 acts as a universal timestamp, enabling you to articulate precisely when and under what circumstances events unfold, enriching the detail and clarity of your Japanese communication.Common Mistakes
時. Being aware of these can significantly improve the accuracy and naturalness of your Japanese.- Confusing
時with{いつ}(itsu): This is perhaps the most frequent error for beginners.時is used to state "when" something occurs, acting as a temporal conjunction or noun.{いつ}is the interrogative word used to ask "when?" - ❌
パーティーは時ですか？(Pātī wa toki desu ka?) - ✅
パーティーは{いつ}ですか？(Pātī wa itsu desu ka?) - "When is the party?"
- Incorrect Particle Usage for
na-Adjectives and Nouns: Forgetting the connecting particles{な}and{の}before時is a common oversight. These particles are crucial for grammatically linking the preceding word to the noun時. - ❌
静か時(Incorrect for "When quiet") - ✅
静か{な}時 - ❌
学生時(Incorrect for "When a student") - ✅
学生{の}時
- Misinterpreting Relative Tense (Dictionary vs. Ta-form Verbs): As discussed, the distinction between using a dictionary form verb and a ta-form verb before
時is semantic, not just absolute past or present tense. This is the most subtle and important mistake to overcome. - If you say
日本に行く時、友達に会いました。(Nihon ni iku toki, tomodachi ni aimashita.) - This implies you met your friend before or during your journey to Japan (e.g., at the airport in your home country). This is grammatically correct but might not be what you intend. - If you intended to say you met your friend after arriving in Japan, you must use the ta-form:
日本に行った時、友達に会いました。(Nihon ni itta toki, tomodachi ni aimashita.) - "When I went to Japan (i.e., after arriving there), I met my friend." - Always consider if the action before
時has completed relative to the main clause's action.
- Using Polite Forms (e.g.,
～ますform) before時: The clause preceding時generally takes a plain form, regardless of the politeness level of the main sentence. Using～ますform directly before時sounds unnatural and is grammatically incorrect. - ❌
食べます時(Incorrect for "When eating") - ✅
食べる時 - ❌
行きました時(Incorrect for "When I went") - ✅
行った時
食べる時、テレビを消します。).- Overuse of
{に}after時: While adding{に}(toki ni) can emphasize a specific point in time, it is not always necessary. Overusing it can sometimes sound stiff or overly precise when a general temporal context is intended. 子供{の}時(Kodomo no toki) is perfectly natural for "When I was a child." Adding{に}(kodomo no toki ni) is not incorrect, but{の}particle alone effectively links the noun子供to時. Use{に}when you specifically want to highlight a moment or occasion rather than a general period.
Real Conversations
時 is an incredibly common and natural expression in Japanese, appearing frequently in daily conversations, informal writing, and more formal contexts. Its flexibility allows speakers to convey intricate temporal relationships without sounding overly academic.
- Casual Chat (Friends, Family):
- A: 今度、一緒に映画見ない？ (Kondo, issho ni eiga minai?) - "Want to watch a movie together sometime soon?"
- B: {いいね}！暇{な}時に連絡するね。 (Ii ne! Hima na toki ni renraku suru ne.) - "Sounds good! I'll contact you when I'm free." (Here, 暇{な}時に indicates the point in time when they become free).
- Giving Advice/Instructions (e.g., to a junior, child):
- 電車から降りる時は、足元に気をつけてね。 (Densha kara oriru toki wa, ashimoto ni ki o tsukete ne.) - "When getting off the train, be careful of your footing, okay?" (Dictionary form 降りる for an action that is about to happen or is ongoing).
- 困った時は、いつでも私に聞いてください。 (Komatta toki wa, itsudemo watashi ni kiite kudasai.) - "When you're in trouble, please ask me anytime." (Ta-form 困った here represents a state of being in trouble that has come about).
- Sharing Experiences (Recollecting the Past):
- 学生{の}時、よくあのカフェで勉強したんだ。 (Gakusei no toki, yoku ano kafe de benkyō shita n da.) - "When I was a student, I often studied at that cafe." (Noun + {の}時 for a period).
- 日本に住んでいた時、毎日納豆を食べていました。 (Nihon ni sunde ita toki, mainichi nattō o tabete imashita.) - "When I lived in Japan, I ate natto every day." (Ta-form of 住む is 住んだ for completed action, but 住んでいた describes a continuous state of living, also used with 時).
- Narrative or Explanations (Slightly more formal):
- 彼が入ってきた時、皆が静かになった。 (Kare ga haitte kita toki, mina ga shizuka ni natta.) - "When he entered, everyone became quiet." (Ta-form 入ってきた indicates his entry was completed before or concurrently with everyone becoming quiet).
In these examples, notice how the natural flow of conversation dictates the choice between dictionary and ta-form, as well as the optional inclusion of particles like {に} or {は}. The ability to use 時 smoothly is a strong indicator of progressing past rudimentary sentence structures.
Quick FAQ
- Q: Can I place the
時clause at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence?
時 clause ([Clause] + 時) typically comes before the main clause it modifies. It can begin a sentence, especially when setting a broader context. For example, 雨が降る時、傘が必要です。 (Ame ga furu toki, kasa ga hitsuyō desu.) - "When it rains, an umbrella is necessary." You generally would not insert it mid-clause, but rather as a distinct preceding phrase.- Q: What is the difference between
時and時に?
{に} after 時 tends to emphasize a more specific or particular point in time, often referring to a single instance or event. 時 without {に} can be more general, referring to a broader period or a general condition.子供{の}時、よく公園で遊んだ。(Kodomo no toki, yoku kōen de asonda.) - "When I was a child, I often played in the park." (General period).彼に初めて会った時に、私は驚いた。(Kare ni hajimete atta toki ni, watashi wa odoroita.) - "At the time I first met him, I was surprised." (Emphasizes that specific single moment).
toki implies a single, definite event, に is often natural or required. If it's a habitual action or a state, に is often optional or omitted.- Q: Is there a polite equivalent for
時?
時 itself is a neutral noun and does not have a separate polite form. Politeness is conveyed through the main verb of your sentence. The clause preceding 時 almost always uses plain forms (dictionary, ta-form, plain adjective forms, noun + {の}).先生が話す時、静かにしてください。(Sensei ga hanasu toki, shizuka ni shite kudasai.) - "When the teacher speaks, please be quiet." (The verb話すis plain, but the main clause静かにしてくださいis polite).
- Q: How does
時compare to other temporal expressions like{たら}(tara),{と}(to), and間(aida)?
時: The most neutral and versatile. It simply sets a specific or general temporal context. The action of the modifying clause can be ongoing, completed, or habitual relative to the main clause.雨が降る時、家に帰ります。(Ame ga furu toki, ie ni kaerimasu.) - "When it rains, I go home." (General action, or 'if it's raining').～たら: Often implies a condition or a sequence of a singular event. It focuses on "if/when X happens, then Y will happen (often a single, specific outcome or discovery)." There's a stronger sense of one action causing or leading to another, sometimes with an unexpected result.雨が降ったら、家に帰ります。(Ame ga futtara, ie ni kaerimasu.) - "If/When it rains (and the rain starts), I will go home." (Focus on the onset of rain as a trigger).～と: Indicates a natural, automatic consequence or universal truth. "When X happens, Y always follows." There's no exception. The verb before{と}is always plain non-past.冬になる{と}、雪が降ります。(Fuyu ni naru to, yuki ga furimasu.) - "When winter comes, it snows." (An automatic, expected occurrence).～間|あいだ(aida): Emphasizes the duration "while" or "during." The actions often occur concurrently over a period, rather than at a single point.私が寝ている間、母は料理をしました。(Watashi ga nete iru aida, haha wa ryōri o shimashita.) - "While I was sleeping, my mother cooked." (Both actions occurred over a duration).
時 remains your go-to for simply stating "when" an event or state occurs, offering a neutral and widely applicable option. Its careful application demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of Japanese temporality, a hallmark of advanced A2 learners.Formation of Toki Clauses
| Word Type | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Verb
|
Dictionary Form
|
{行く|いく} {時|とき}
|
|
Verb
|
Past Plain Form
|
{行った|いった} {時|とき}
|
|
I-Adjective
|
Base
|
{暑い|あつい} {時|とき}
|
|
Na-Adjective
|
Base + na
|
{暇|ひま}な {時|とき}
|
|
Noun
|
Base + no
|
{学生|がくせい}の {時|とき}
|
Meanings
The word {時|とき} acts as a noun meaning 'time' or 'occasion', allowing you to create temporal clauses that specify when an action occurs.
Temporal sequence
Specifying the time during which an action takes place.
“{寝る|ねる} {時|とき}、電気を {消します|けします}。”
“{暇|ひま}な {時|とき}、本を {読みます|よみます}。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Verb(dict) + {時|とき}
|
{食べる|たべる} {時|とき}
|
|
Negative
|
Verb(nai) + {時|とき}
|
{食べない|たべない} {時|とき}
|
|
Past
|
Verb(ta) + {時|とき}
|
{食べた|たべた} {時|とき}
|
|
I-Adj
|
I-Adj + {時|とき}
|
{寒い|さむい} {時|とき}
|
|
Na-Adj
|
Na-Adj + na + {時|とき}
|
{元気|げんき}な {時|とき}
|
|
Noun
|
Noun + no + {時|とき}
|
{子供|こども}の {時|とき}
|
Formality Spectrum
{行く|いく} {時|とき}、{購入|こうにゅう}いたします。 (Shopping)
{行く|いく} {時|とき}、{買います|かいます}。 (Shopping)
{行く|いく} {時|とき}、{買う|かう}よ。 (Shopping)
{行く|いく} {時|とき}、{買う|かう}わ。 (Shopping)
Toki Clause Structure
Verbs
- {行く|いく} to go
Adjectives
- {暑い|あつい} hot
Nouns
- {学生|がくせい} student
Examples by Level
{寝る|ねる} {時|とき}、本を {読みます|よみます}。
When I sleep, I read a book.
{食べる|たべる} {時|とき}、手を {洗います|あらいます}。
When I eat, I wash my hands.
{行く|いく} {時|とき}、電話します。
When I go, I will call.
{見る|みる} {時|とき}、楽しいです。
When I watch it, it is fun.
{暇|ひま}な {時|とき}、音楽を {聞きます|ききます}。
When I am free, I listen to music.
{忙しい|いそがしい} {時|とき}、手伝ってください。
When I am busy, please help me.
{学生|がくせい}の {時|とき}、日本に {住んでいました|すんでいました}。
When I was a student, I lived in Japan.
{雨|あめ}の {時|とき}、タクシーを {使います|つかいます}。
When it rains, I use a taxi.
{駅|えき}に {着いた|ついた} {時|とき}、電車が {行ってしまいました|いってしまいました}。
When I arrived at the station, the train had already left.
{会議|かいぎ}の {時|とき}、メモを {取ります|とります}。
During the meeting, I take notes.
{日本|にほん}へ {行く|いく} {時|とき}、ビザが {必要|ひつよう}です。
When going to Japan, a visa is required.
{悲しい|かなしい} {時|とき}、泣いてもいいです。
When you are sad, it is okay to cry.
{準備|じゅんび}を {する|する} {時|とき}、{計画|けいかく}が {大切|たいせつ}です。
When preparing, planning is important.
{子供|こども}が {遊んでいる|あそんでいる} {時|とき}、{静かに|しずかに}してください。
When the children are playing, please be quiet.
{失敗|しっぱい}した {時|とき}こそ、{学べる|まなべる}ことがあります。
It is precisely when you fail that you can learn something.
{彼|かれ}が {来る|くる} {時|とき}、{準備|じゅんび}を {終わらせて|おわらせて}おきます。
By the time he arrives, I will have finished the preparations.
{予期|よき}せぬ {時|とき}に {地震|じしん}が {起きました|おきました}。
The earthquake occurred at an unexpected time.
{歴史|れきし}を {振り返る|ふりかえる} {時|とき}、{教訓|きょうくん}を {得ます|えます}。
When reflecting on history, we gain lessons.
{決断|けつだん}を {下す|くだす} {時|とき}、{勇気|ゆうき}が {必要|ひつよう}です。
When making a decision, courage is required.
{真夜中|まよなか}の {時|とき}、{静寂|せいじゃく}が {街|まち}を {包みます|つつみます}。
In the dead of night, silence envelops the city.
{万物|ばんぶつ}が {流転|るてん}する {時|とき}、{心|こころ}を {保つ|たもつ}のは {難しい|むずかしい}。
When all things are in flux, it is difficult to maintain one's composure.
{時代|じだい}が {変わる|かわる} {時|とき}、{価値観|かちかん}も {変容|へんよう}します。
When an era changes, values also transform.
{彼|かれ}の {言葉|ことば}を {聞く|きく} {時|とき}、{深遠|しんえん}な {意味|いみ}を {感じます|かんじます}。
When I hear his words, I feel a profound meaning.
{自然|しぜん}と {対峙|たいじ}する {時|とき}、{人間|にんげん}の {無力|むりょく}さを {知ります|しります}。
When confronting nature, one realizes human powerlessness.
Easily Confused
Both can mean 'when'.
Both relate to time.
Both are used for conditions.
Common Mistakes
{行きます|いきます} {時|とき}
{行く|いく} {時|とき}
{暇|ひま} {時|とき}
{暇|ひま}な {時|とき}
{学生|がくせい} {時|とき}
{学生|がくせい}の {時|とき}
{暑い|あつい}な {時|とき}
{暑い|あつい} {時|とき}
{食べた|たべた} {時|とき}に
{食べた|たべた} {時|とき}
{行く|いく} {時|とき}は
{行く|いく} {時|とき}
{雨|あめ}の {時|とき}が
{雨|あめ}の {時|とき}
{行く|いく} {時|とき}だった
{行く|いく} {時|とき}だ
{会う|あう} {時|とき}に
{会う|あう} {時|とき}
{忙しい|いそがしい} {時|とき}に
{忙しい|いそがしい} {時|とき}
{行く|いく} {時|とき}の
{行く|いく} {時|とき}
{会った|あった} {時|とき}の
{会った|あった} {時|とき}
{来る|くる} {時|とき}に
{来る|くる} {時|とき}
Sentence Patterns
___ {時|とき}、___ をします。
___ な {時|とき}、___ です。
___ の {時|とき}、___ でした。
___ {時|とき}、___ ください。
Real World Usage
{暇|ひま}な {時|とき}、連絡して！
{困った|こまった} {時|とき}、どうしますか？
{迷った|まよった} {時|とき}、駅員に聞きます。
{寝る|ねる} {時|とき}、いつも音楽を聴く。
{届いた|とどいた} {時|とき}、メッセージをください。
{分析|ぶんせき}する {時|とき}、データが重要です。
Plain Form First
No Masu-form
Na-adjectives
Politeness
Smart Tips
Use the past plain form before {時|とき}.
If in doubt, omit the particle after {時|とき}.
Always add 'na' before {時|とき}.
Always add 'no' before {時|とき}.
Pronunciation
Toki
Pronounced 'toh-kee'. Keep the 'o' short.
Statement
Toki ->
Neutral tone.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Toki' as a 'Time-Key'. It unlocks the specific moment an action happens.
Visual Association
Imagine a clock face where every number is replaced by a verb. When the hand hits a number, you perform that action.
Rhyme
When you want to say 'when', use Toki again and again.
Story
Once there was a boy named Toki. He lived in a clock. Whenever he saw a verb, he would jump on it and shout 'Time!'.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences about your day using '{時|とき}' for each activity.
Cultural Notes
Using 'toki' is very common in formal business settings to clarify timelines.
In Kansai dialect, you might hear 'toki' used similarly, but with different sentence endings.
Young people often shorten sentences, but 'toki' remains standard.
Derived from the noun {時|とき} (time).
Conversation Starters
{暇|ひま}な {時|とき}、何をしますか？
{子供|こども}の {時|とき}、何が好きでしたか？
{困った|こまった} {時|とき}、誰に相談しますか？
{旅行|りょこう}する {時|とき}、何を準備しますか？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
{食べる|たべる} ___ {時|とき}、手を洗います。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
{行きます|いきます} {時|とき}、電話します。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
When I was a student, I studied.
Answer starts with: {学生...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
{行く|いく} -> {時|とき}
A: {暇|ひま}な {時|とき}、何をしますか？ B: ___
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises{食べる|たべる} ___ {時|とき}、手を洗います。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
{行きます|いきます} {時|とき}、電話します。
{時|とき} / {暇|ひま} / な / 音楽 / を / 聞きます / 。
When I was a student, I studied.
Match the meaning.
{行く|いく} -> {時|とき}
A: {暇|ひま}な {時|とき}、何をしますか？ B: ___
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises{眠い|ねむい}___ {時|とき}、コーヒーを飲みます。
Match:
Arrange:
{元気|げんき}___ {時|とき}、よく走ります。
{部屋|へや}を{入った|はいった}{時|とき}、ドアをノックしてください。
Translate:
{デート|でーと}___ {時|とき}、おしゃれをします。
Select the correct question format:
{食べます|たべます}{時|とき}、これを{使って|つかって}ください。
{疲れ|つかれ}___ {時|とき}、早く寝ます。
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Yes, {行く|いく} {時|とき} works for both present and future.
Yes, it functions as a noun, which is why it needs 'no' after other nouns.
The particle 'ni' adds emphasis to the specific moment.
Yes, both i-adjectives and na-adjectives work.
It is neutral and used in all registers.
It means the action happened before the main clause.
Yes, {行かない|いかない} {時|とき} is perfectly fine.
No, 'toki-doki' means 'sometimes'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Cuando + verb
Spanish requires subjunctive mood in some future cases.
Quand + verb
French has more complex tense concordances.
Wenn / Als
German has two distinct words for 'when'.
的时候 (de shíhòu)
Chinese does not conjugate verbs.
indama
Arabic grammar is highly inflectional.
{時|とき}
Unique particle usage.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
The Extreme Emphasis Pattern: ~極まる / ~極まりない (Kiwamaru / Kiwamarinai)
Overview At the advanced stages of Japanese, expressing simple intensity with words like `とても` (totemo) or `非常に`...
Expressing Desire: "I want to..." (～tai)
Overview Japanese offers nuanced ways to express personal desire. The suffix `~tai` (～たい) is fundamental for articula...
Uncontrollable Feelings: ~てならない (~te naranai)
Overview Japanese grammar provides a rich toolkit for expressing internal states, and `~てならない` (`~te naranai`) is...
Before Doing X (Mae ni)
Overview In Japanese, establishing a clear sequence of events is fundamental to communication. The grammatical pattern...
Literary Similes: Like & As If (~gotoku / ~gotoki)
Overview Japanese offers several ways to express similes, but few carry the profound literary weight and stylistic versa...
