〜に際して

The Japanese phrase 〜に際して (ni saishite) is a grammatical structure used to indicate a specific occasion or a significant moment when something happens or is about to happen. It carries a formal tone and is often found in written Japanese, speeches, and official announcements. Think of it as meaning 'at the time of,' 'on the occasion of,' 'upon,' or 'when' a particular event or situation arises.

It's particularly useful when you want to highlight that an action or event is happening in conjunction with a significant juncture. This phrase adds a sense of formality and importance to the statement. For example, you might use it when announcing something important during a ceremony, giving instructions for a special event, or describing a procedure that needs to be followed at a particular time. It signals that the following action is directly related to the preceding event or circumstance.

Consider the nuance: it's not just any 'when.' It implies a particular, often noteworthy, point in time. Whether it's the start of a new era, the beginning of a project, or a milestone, 〜に際して helps to frame that moment. It's frequently paired with nouns that represent significant events or periods, such as 'graduation' (卒業), 'opening' (開設), 'anniversary' (記念), or 'emergencies' (非常事態).

In essence, 〜に際して serves to draw attention to a specific, often formal, occasion. It's a way to connect an action or a statement directly to a particular event, emphasizing the significance of that moment. You'll encounter it in contexts where precision and a formal tone are important, making it a valuable phrase for understanding more sophisticated Japanese communication.

Formal Occasions

This phrase is very common in formal settings like ceremonies, award presentations, or official company meetings. It signals that an important announcement or action is being made at a significant juncture.

Written Communication

You'll often find 〜に際して in written documents such as official notices, invitations, academic papers, and business correspondence where a more elevated and precise language is expected.

Announcements and Speeches

When someone is giving a speech or making an announcement, especially at an event, they might use this phrase to preface a statement that is particularly relevant to the occasion.

The phrase implies a point of transition or a significant event that precedes an action or statement. It's about marking that specific moment. For example, 'Upon graduating...' or 'On the occasion of this anniversary...' are good English equivalents that capture the essence of 〜に際して. It adds a layer of solemnity and importance, making it distinct from simpler temporal conjunctions like 'when' (とき).

Formal Declarations

Used when making formal declarations, such as announcing new policies, opening a new facility, or commemorating an event. It lends gravitas to the statement.

Important Milestones

Applicable to significant life events or organizational milestones like weddings, anniversaries, retirements, or the launch of a major project.

Using 〜に際して correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure and the types of nouns or verb stems it typically follows. The phrase is attached to a noun or the stem of a verb to mark the specific occasion. This creates a formal and precise connection between the event and the subsequent action or statement.

The most common pattern is [Noun] + に際して. This is used when the occasion is a noun representing an event or a period. For example, '卒業 (graduation)' becomes '卒業に際して'.

Another common pattern involves using the verb stem. This occurs when the occasion is an action that is about to happen or has just happened, and is expressed as a noun-like concept. The structure is [Verb Stem] + に際して. For example, for the verb '開設する (to open/establish)', the stem is '開設し', and it becomes '開設するに際して'. However, it's more common to use the noun form of the verb if available (e.g., 開設). If the verb is intransitive or its noun form is less common, the stem might be used more directly, but typically it's the noun form that precedes 〜に際して.

The phrase is often followed by verbs like '行う (okonau - to conduct/perform)', '述べる (noberu - to state/express)', '感謝する (kansha suru - to thank)', or 'ご挨拶申し上げる (goaisatsu moushiageru - to offer greetings)'. These verbs naturally fit with the formal context of 〜に際して.

Noun + に際して

This is the most frequent pattern. The noun should represent a significant event or situation. Examples: 卒業 (graduation), 開設 (opening), 記念 (anniversary), 結婚 (marriage), 契約 (contract), 発表 (announcement), 異動 (transfer), 退職 (retirement), 昇進 (promotion), 帰国 (returning to one's country).

Verb Stem + に際して

Less common than noun usage, but possible. It usually implies an action that is about to occur or has just occurred. For example, if a verb is '出発する (to depart)', one might say '出発するに際して'. However, often a more noun-like construction is preferred, like '出発の際に'. This pattern is more likely to appear in older or very formal texts.

Formal Verbs

Commonly followed by formal verbs like 申し上げる (moushiageru), 感謝する (kansha suru), 述べる (noberu), 実施する (jisshi suru), 賜る (tamawaru - to receive, very formal).

When using 〜に際して, ensure the context is appropriate. It's best suited for official announcements, formal speeches, important ceremonies, or written documents that require a high level of politeness and formality. Avoid using it in casual conversations.

Example Sentence Structure

[Significant Event/Action] + に際して、[Action/Statement]. For instance: 「創立記念日に際して、社長が訓示を述べました。」(On the occasion of the founding anniversary, the president gave an address.)

You will most commonly encounter 〜に際して in formal settings where a sense of ceremony, importance, or official pronouncement is required. It's a phrase that elevates the discourse and signals that a significant event is being addressed.

One of the most frequent places to hear or read this is during formal ceremonies. Think of graduations, award ceremonies, opening ceremonies for new buildings or businesses, or wedding receptions. At these events, speeches are given, and announcements are made, often starting with phrases like '卒業に際して' (Upon graduating) or '開会に際して' (Upon opening the meeting).

In the corporate world, 〜に際して is prevalent in official company announcements, press releases, and shareholder meetings. For instance, when a company is launching a new product, expanding its operations, or commemorating an anniversary, statements might begin with '新製品の発表に際して' (Upon announcing the new product) or '事業拡大に際して' (Upon expanding business operations).

Official Speeches and Addresses

You'll hear this in speeches given by politicians, CEOs, or heads of organizations during formal events, inaugurations, or commemorative ceremonies. It sets a solemn and respectful tone.

Written Official Documents

Found in legal documents, official notices, government decrees, academic publications, and formal invitations. For example, a notice about a public hearing might state, '説明会開催に際して、資料を配布いたします。' (We will distribute materials upon the occasion of holding the explanatory meeting.)

Academic and Research Papers

In academic contexts, it might be used to introduce findings or discussions related to specific events or research milestones, such as '調査開始に際して' (Upon starting the survey).

Formal Greetings and Congratulations

When offering congratulations on a promotion, a new business venture, or a significant achievement in a formal capacity. For example, 'ご就任に際して、心よりお祝い申し上げます。' (I offer my heartfelt congratulations upon your inauguration.)

It's also used in situations involving important changes or transitions, such as a company merger, a change in leadership, or a significant policy update. The phrase signals that the following information is directly relevant to this specific, often noteworthy, change.

While 〜に際して is a useful phrase, learners can sometimes misuse it, leading to awkward or incorrect expressions. Understanding these common pitfalls can help you use it more accurately and appropriately.

One of the most frequent mistakes is using 〜に際して in casual or informal conversations. This phrase carries a significant level of formality, akin to 'on the occasion of' or 'upon the commencement of.' Using it when talking to friends about everyday matters would sound overly stiff and unnatural.

A more appropriate way to say this casually would be: 友達と会うときに、プレゼントを買った (When I met my friend, I bought a present) or 友達に会うのに、プレゼントを買った (I bought a present for meeting my friend).

Using it for trivial matters

Applying 〜に際して to common, everyday events like 'eating breakfast' or 'going to the store' is inappropriate. It's reserved for significant events or formal occasions.

Incorrect attachment to verbs

While the verb stem can sometimes be used, it's far more common and safer to attach 〜に際して to nouns. Saying something like '歩くに際して' (upon walking) is generally incorrect; '歩くとき' or '歩く際に' would be more suitable.

A better phrasing for the above would be: 料理をするときに、レシピを見ました (When I cooked, I looked at the recipe) or 料理をする際に、レシピを見ました (When cooking, I looked at the recipe).

Overuse in writing

While it's common in formal writing, overusing 〜に際して can make prose sound repetitive and stilted. Varying sentence structure and using other temporal conjunctions is advisable.

Confusing with similar phrases

Learners might confuse it with 〜の際に (no sai ni). While similar, 〜に際して often carries a slightly more formal or official connotation, especially when followed by verbs like 申し上げる or 述べる.

While not entirely wrong, '会社を辞める際に、上司に報告した' or '退職するにあたり、上司に報告した' might be more common or natural depending on the exact context and desired level of formality. 〜に際して is best reserved for truly significant events or official pronouncements.

Japanese offers several ways to express the idea of 'when' or 'at the time of,' each with its own nuances in formality and usage. Understanding these alternatives to 〜に際して is crucial for choosing the most appropriate expression for any given situation.

The most basic and versatile alternative is 〜とき (toki). This is the general word for 'when' and can be used in almost any context, from casual to formal, though it might lack the specific gravitas of 〜に際して.

For a slightly more formal feel than 〜とき, but less so than 〜に際して, is 〜際 (sai) or 〜の際に (no sai ni). This is often used with verbs or nouns and strikes a balance between formality and general applicability. It's suitable for many business or semi-formal situations.

〜とき (toki)

Meaning: When, at the time. Formality: Neutral to slightly informal. Usage: Most common and versatile. Can be used in almost any situation.
Example: 家に帰るとき、買い物をする。(When I return home, I will shop.)

〜際 (sai) / 〜の際に (no sai ni)

Meaning: When, at the time of, on the occasion of. Formality: Formal to semi-formal. Usage: Often used with nouns or verb stems. A good alternative for many situations where 〜に際して might be too formal, but 〜とき is too casual.
Example: 申請書を提出する際に、本人確認書類が必要です。(When submitting the application, identification documents are required.)

〜にあたり (ni atari)

Meaning: On the occasion of, upon. Formality: Formal. Usage: Similar to 〜に際して, often used with nouns representing significant events or actions. It can sometimes feel slightly softer or more personal than 〜に際して.
Example: 新しい門出にあたり、皆で応援しましょう。(Let's all cheer for your new beginning.)

〜折には (ori ni wa)

Meaning: On the occasion of, when. Formality: Formal. Usage: Similar to 〜に際して and 〜にあたり, often used in written communication or formal speeches. It can imply a specific opportunity or moment.
Example: ご多忙中とは存じますが、是非一度お越しになる折には、お声がけください。(I know you are busy, but when you do come, please let me know.)

〜時分には (jibun ni wa)

Meaning: Around the time of, at the time of. Formality: Formal. Usage: Less common than others, often used to refer to a specific period or a particular moment of an event.
Example: 重要な発表の時分には、全社員を集めてください。(Please gather all employees at the time of the important announcement.)

Choosing the right phrase depends on the context, the speaker's intention, and the desired level of politeness. 〜に際して is your go-to for highly formal occasions, while 〜の際に and 〜にあたり are suitable for formal business settings, and 〜とき is for everyday use.