〜の際
It means 'at the time of' or 'on the occasion of' something happening.
Explanation at your level:
Hi there! 〜の際 (no sai) is a Japanese phrase that means 'when something happens.' Imagine you have a special toy, and you only get to play with it when it's your birthday. 〜の際 is like saying 'on your birthday!' It points to a specific moment or event. For example, if there's a rule, it might say, 'Push the button when the light turns green.' In Japanese, this could be 'light turns green 〜の際, push the button.' It helps us know exactly when to do something important!
Hello! The Japanese phrase 〜の際 (no sai) is used to talk about a specific time or occasion when something happens. It's similar to saying 'at the time of' or 'on the occasion of' in English. You'll often see it in instructions or announcements. For example, if you need to fill out a form, you might see instructions for 申し込みの際 (moshikomi no sai), which means 'at the time of application.' It helps make the instructions very clear about when you need to do something.
Hello! 〜の際 (no sai) is a useful phrase in Japanese that means 'at the time of' or 'on the occasion of.' It's often used in more formal situations like giving instructions or making announcements. Think of it as a way to precisely pinpoint a moment or event. For example, 会議の際 (kaigi no sai) means 'at the time of the meeting.' You might also see お支払い の際 (oshiharai no sai), meaning 'at the time of payment.' Using 〜の際 helps to clearly link an action or condition to a specific circumstance, making communication more precise.
〜の際 (no sai) is a formal Japanese phrase equivalent to 'at the time of,' 'on the occasion of,' or 'when.' It's frequently employed in written Japanese, such as in official notices, business correspondence, and instructional materials, to denote a specific point in time or a particular event that triggers a certain action or condition. For instance, 退職 の際 (taishoku no sai) translates to 'upon retirement,' and ご来店の際 (go raiten no sai) means 'upon visiting our store.' Understanding 〜の際 is key to comprehending formal Japanese, as it adds a layer of precision and politeness compared to simpler conjunctions like とき (toki).
〜の際 (no sai) serves as a formal nominalizer or conjunctive phrase in Japanese, signifying 'at the time of,' 'on the occasion of,' or 'in the event of.' Its usage is prevalent in contexts demanding clarity and formality, such as legal documents, business procedures, and public service announcements. It effectively frames a specific temporal or situational context for the subsequent clause. For example, 事故発生の際 (jiko hassei no sai) means 'in the event of an accident occurring,' and ご署名 の際 (go shomei no sai) refers to 'when signing.' The phrase implies a degree of significance or formality attached to the specified occasion, distinguishing it from more casual temporal markers.
The Japanese construction 〜の際 (no sai), derived from the kanji 際 meaning 'edge,' 'boundary,' or 'occasion,' functions as a sophisticated marker for specific temporal junctures or critical circumstances. It is predominantly found in formal registers, including academic discourse, legal texts, and official pronouncements, where precision and a formal tone are paramount. Its etymological connection to 'edge' or 'boundary' subtly underscores its role in delineating a specific point in time or a defining event. For instance, 諸般の事情の際 (shohan no jijou no sai), though somewhat archaic, could imply 'under various circumstances.' Mastery of 〜の際 involves recognizing its nuanced application in distinguishing significant events from general occurrences, and understanding its role in conveying a sense of formality and importance within the Japanese linguistic landscape.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 〜の際 means 'at the time of' or 'on the occasion of'.
- It's used in formal contexts like instructions and announcements.
- Often follows nouns (Noun + の + 際) or verbs.
- A more formal alternative to 〜時 (toki) for specific events.
Hey there! Let's dive into the Japanese phrase 〜の際 (〜のさい). It's a super useful way to talk about specific moments or occasions. Think of it as meaning 'at the time of,' 'on the occasion of,' or 'when something happens.' It's like a special marker that points to a particular event or situation, telling you that something is relevant or needs to be done during that exact time. It's not just about *when*, but about the *circumstances* surrounding that moment.
You'll often see 〜の際 used in instructions, announcements, or when explaining procedures. It helps to be precise about when an action is required or when a certain condition applies. For example, you might hear about what to do 〜の際 in an emergency, or what documents are needed 〜の際 of applying for something. It adds a layer of formality and clarity, making sure everyone understands the specific context we're talking about. It’s a bit like saying, 'When you are in this specific situation...'
So, remember, 〜の際 is all about pinpointing a specific time or event to give context to an action or a piece of information. It’s a handy phrase for clear communication, especially when you want to be precise about timing and circumstances. Keep an eye out for it, and you'll start noticing how often it pops up in Japanese!
The phrase 〜の際 has its roots in classical Japanese, where 際 (さい) itself carried the meaning of 'edge,' 'boundary,' or 'occasion.' Over time, its usage evolved to specifically denote a point in time or an event that serves as a juncture.
The kanji 際 (さい) is quite old and has connections to the idea of 'intertwining' or 'being beside,' which metaphorically extends to being 'at the point of' or 'during' an event. In older forms of Japanese, similar constructions were used to mark specific moments, and 〜の際 became a standardized and somewhat formal way to express this.
Historically, the use of 際 in this temporal sense became more prominent in written and formal Japanese. It offered a more concise and elegant way to express the idea of 'when' compared to simpler conjunctions. Its adoption in official documents, legal texts, and formal announcements solidified its place as a marker for significant occasions or specific circumstances. It’s a word that carries a sense of importance and precision, reflecting its historical usage in contexts where clarity and formality were paramount.
〜の際 is primarily used in more formal or written Japanese. You'll encounter it frequently in official announcements, business settings, instructional manuals, and news reports. Its main job is to clearly indicate the specific time or situation to which a following statement applies.
It often follows a noun phrase or a verb in its dictionary form, or sometimes the past tense form (ta-form) of a verb, to specify the event. For instance, 申し込みの際 (moshikomi no sai - at the time of application), 出発の際 (shuppatsu no sai - upon departure), or ご不明な点の際 (gofumei na ten no sai - in the case of unclear points, though this sounds a bit stiff and '不明な点があれば' is more common). The key is that it sets the stage for what comes next, linking an action or condition to a particular moment.
While it's formal, it's not overly stiff or archaic. It strikes a good balance, providing clarity without sounding overly bureaucratic. Think of it as a more polished alternative to simple conjunctions like とき (toki - when) in certain contexts. It’s a great phrase to master for sounding more natural and appropriate in formal Japanese communication. Common collocations include pairing it with verbs related to procedures, events, or conditions.
While 〜の際 itself isn't typically part of a fixed idiom in the way we might think of English idioms, it's a core component of phrases that function idiomatically to mark specific circumstances.
1. 緊急の際 (kinkyuu no sai): This means 'in case of emergency.' It's a very common phrase used for safety instructions and preparedness.
- Example: 緊急の際は、エレベーターを使用しないでください。 (Kinkyuu no sai wa, erebeetaa o shiyou shinaide kudasai. - In case of emergency, do not use the elevator.)
2. 万一の際 (man'ichi no sai): Similar to the above, this means 'in the unlikely event' or 'in the worst-case scenario.' It implies a low probability but significant potential occurrence.
- Example: 万一の際は、すぐに連絡します。 (Man'ichi no sai, sugu ni renraku shimasu. - In the unlikely event, I will contact you immediately.)
3. 必要な際 (hitsuyou na sai): This translates to 'when necessary' or 'if needed.' It's a straightforward way to indicate a conditional requirement.
- Example: 必要な際は、遠慮なくお申し付けください。 (Hitsuyou na sai, enryo naku omoushitsuke kudasai. - Please do not hesitate to ask if necessary.)
4. 支払い の際 (shiharai no sai): This means 'at the time of payment.' It's commonly used in transaction contexts.
- Example: お支払い の際は、現金またはクレジットカードがご利用いただけます。 (Oshiharai no sai wa, genkin mata wa kurejitto kaado ga goriyou itadakemasu. - At the time of payment, cash or credit card is accepted.)
These phrases use 〜の際 to create specific, context-dependent meanings that are widely understood in Japanese communication.
Pronunciation: The word 際 is pronounced 'sai'. It's a single syllable. The phrase 〜の際 is pronounced 'no sai'. There isn't a strong stress pattern within this short phrase; it's more about a smooth flow.
Grammar: 〜の際 functions as a nominalizer or a particle phrase that attaches to a preceding noun or verb phrase to indicate a specific time or occasion. It essentially turns the preceding element into a noun phrase that signifies 'the time of X' or 'the occasion of X'.
Common Patterns:
- Noun + の際: This is the most common structure. For example, 会議 (kaigi - meeting) の際 (at the time of the meeting).
- Verb (dictionary form) + 際: Sometimes, especially in more formal or concise writing, the 'の' is omitted. For example, 申請する際 (shinsei suru sai - when applying). However, 申請する の際 is also perfectly acceptable and perhaps more common in speech.
- Verb (ta-form) + 際: This pattern is less common but can be used to refer to a completed action as the occasion. For example, 到着した際 (touchaku shita sai - upon arrival).
Articles & Plurals: Japanese does not use articles (a, an, the) or have plural forms in the same way English does. Therefore, 〜の際 does not involve these grammatical concepts.
IPA (General): /saɪn ˈteɪk/ (This is an example IPA for 'intake', not for 〜の際. For 〜の際, it would be approximately /no saɪ/)
Fun Fact
The kanji 際 is composed of parts that suggest 'meeting' or 'being side-by-side,' reinforcing the idea of a specific point or event where things converge.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'no sigh'.
Sounds like 'no sigh'.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing 際 (sai) with a different vowel sound.
- Adding unnecessary stress to 'no'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Can be challenging due to formal context.
Requires understanding of formal register.
Easier to use once understood, but requires appropriate context.
Recognizing it in formal speech/announcements.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Noun + の + Particle
本 の 上 (hon no ue - on the book)
Verb Conjugation (Dictionary Form)
食べる (taberu - to eat)
Formal Sentence Endings
〜です (desu), 〜ます (masu)
Examples by Level
誕生日 の際、ケーキを食べます。
Birthday at-time-of, cake eat-polite.
〜の際 means 'at the time of' or 'when'.
雨 の際、傘をさします。
Rain at-time-of, umbrella hold-out.
Use 〜の際 for specific events.
学校 の際、宿題をします。
School at-time-of, homework do-polite.
〜の際 connects an event to an action.
夜 の際、電気をつけます。
Night at-time-of, light turn-on.
It tells you when to do something.
ゲーム の際、注意してください。
Game at-time-of, be-careful.
Use 〜の際 for important moments.
夏 の際、海に行きます。
Summer at-time-of, sea go-polite.
〜の際 can refer to seasons.
病気 の際、休んでください。
Sickness at-time-of, rest please.
It's used for specific situations.
朝 の際、パンを食べます。
Morning at-time-of, bread eat-polite.
〜の際 specifies the time.
申し込み の際、身分証明書が必要です。
Application at-time-of, identification document necessary.
〜の際 is often used in official instructions.
到着 の際、駅員に声をかけてください。
Arrival at-time-of, station staff to speak please.
It specifies the exact moment an action is needed.
質問 がある の際、手を挙げてください。
Question have at-time-of, hand raise please.
〜の際 clarifies when to perform an action.
支払い の際、カードか現金か選べます。
Payment at-time-of, card or cash choose-can.
Commonly used in transaction contexts.
出発 の際、忘れ物がないか確認してください。
Departure at-time-of, forgotten-items not-exist check please.
It emphasizes checking at a specific point.
緊急 の際、このボタンを押してください。
Emergency at-time-of, this button press please.
Used for safety instructions.
記入 の際、ボールペンを使用してください。
Filling-in at-time-of, ballpoint pen use please.
Specifies the tool to use at a certain time.
利用 の際、規則を守ってください。
Usage at-time-of, rules follow please.
Connects usage with rules.
ご来店の際、受付で氏名をお書きください。
Your-visiting at-time-of, reception at name write please.
〜の際 adds formality to instructions.
退職 の際、お世話になった方々へ挨拶をしました。
Retirement at-time-of, help-received people to greeting did.
Used for significant life events.
この書類は、提出 の際 に必ず押印してください。
This document, submission at-time-of, must seal-stamp please.
Emphasizes a required action at a specific point.
万一 の際 は、すぐにこの番号にご連絡ください。
Unlikely-event at-time-of, immediately this number to contact please.
Used for contingency planning.
会議 の際、発言する前に手を挙げてください。
Meeting at-time-of, speaking before hand raise please.
Clarifies procedure within an event.
お申し込み の際、手数料が別途かかります。
Application at-time-of, fee separately charged.
Common in business and service contexts.
ご不明な点 がございます の際、お気軽にお尋ねください。
Your-unclear points exist at-time-of, feel-free to ask please.
A polite way to offer help.
卒業 の際、記念品が授与されます。
Graduation at-time-of, commemorative gift awarded.
Marks a significant milestone.
ご予約 の際 に、ご希望の座席をお伺いしております。
Your-reservation at-time-of, desired seats asking.
Adds a layer of politeness and formality to common requests.
火災発生 の際 は、パニックにならず、落ち着いて避難してください。
Fire-occurrence at-time-of, panic become-not, calmly evacuate please.
Used in emergency preparedness guidelines.
この手続きは、申請者本人が窓口に来られる の際 にのみ完了します。
This procedure, applicant themselves counter come-when, only completed.
Specifies conditions for completion of a task.
紛失 の際 は、速やかに最寄りの警察署へ届け出てください。
Loss at-time-of, promptly nearest police station to report please.
Standard instruction for reporting lost items.
契約締結 の際 には、双方の署名と捺印が必須となります。
Contract conclusion at-time-of, both parties' signature and seal mandatory.
Formal language used in legal and business contexts.
ご来場 の際、係員がチケットを確認いたします。
Your-attendance at-time-of, staff ticket confirm will.
Common phrase in event announcements.
お支払い の際、ポイントカードのご提示をお願いいたします。
Payment at-time-of, points card presentation request please.
Used in retail settings for loyalty programs.
ご不明な点がございましたら、ご相談 の際 に遠慮なくお申し付けください。
Unclear points exist, consultation at-time-of, without-hesitation tell please.
A polite and formal offer of assistance.
遺言執行 の際、遺言者の意思を最大限尊重することが求められる。
Will-execution at-time-of, testator's intention maximum respect be-required.
Used in legal contexts to denote the execution of a will.
災害発生 時 の際、迅速かつ的確な情報提供が住民の安全確保に不可欠である。
Disaster-occurrence time at-time-of, swift and accurate information provision residents' safety assurance essential.
Emphasizes the critical timing of actions in emergencies.
当該申請は、必要書類がすべて揃った の際 に限り、受理されます。
Said-application, necessary documents all complete at-time-of only, accepted.
Formal conditionality, meaning 'only when all documents are complete'.
事業承継 の際、後継者育成計画の策定が急務となる場合がある。
Business-succession at-time-of, successor-nurturing plan formulation urgent-task become-may.
Refers to the process of handing over a business.
本件に関するご異議は、審議 の際 に限り、正式に受け付けます。
This-matter regarding objections, deliberation at-time-of only, formally accepted.
Specifies the exact time objections can be formally raised.
遺産分割協議 の際、相続人全員の合意形成が不可欠である。
Inheritance-division negotiation at-time-of, heirs all agreement formation essential.
Used in the context of legal inheritance proceedings.
株主総会 の際、議案に対する質疑応答が行われる。
Shareholders'-meeting at-time-of, agenda regarding Q&A conducted.
Standard procedure during corporate meetings.
苦情処理 の際、顧客の心情に配慮した丁寧な対応が求められる。
Complaint-handling at-time-of, customer's feelings consideration polite response required.
Highlights the importance of attitude during complaint resolution.
本件訴訟における和解交渉の開始は、原告側が提示した条件の受諾 の際 に本格化する見込みである。
This-case lawsuit in settlement negotiation start, plaintiff side proposed conditions acceptance at-time-of, become-expected.
Highly formal legalistic phrasing for the commencement of negotiations.
歴史的建造物の保存修復 の際、文化財保護法に則った厳格な手続きが要求される。
Historical-building preservation-restoration at-time-of, cultural-property protection law according-to strict procedures required.
Emphasizes adherence to specific legal frameworks during restoration.
危機管理体制の構築 における、情報収集及び分析の徹底は、事態の沈静化 を図る上での最重要課題である。特に、流言飛語が蔓延する の際 は、公式発表による迅速かつ正確な情報開示が不可欠となる。
Crisis-management system construction in, information gathering and analysis thoroughness, situation calming achieve in most-important issue. Especially, rumors spread at-time-of, official announcement by swift and accurate information disclosure essential.
Complex sentence highlighting the critical need for accurate information during the spread of rumors.
当該特許権の行使は、侵害行為が確認された の際 に限り、法的措置を講じるものとする。
Said-patent-right exercise, infringement act confirmed at-time-of only, legal measures take shall.
Precise legal language defining the conditions for legal action.
芸術作品の評価に際しては、作者の意図、時代背景、そして鑑賞者自身の解釈といった多角的な視座が求められる。
Artistic-work evaluation in, author's intent, historical-background, and viewer's own interpretation such multifaceted perspectives required.
Used in academic or critical analysis contexts.
異文化理解の深化 を目指す交流プログラムにおいては、相互尊重の精神に基づいたコミュニケーションが、摩擦回避 の際 には特に重要視される。
Cross-cultural understanding deepening aim exchange program in, mutual respect spirit based communication, friction avoidance at-time-of, especially emphasized.
Highlights the importance of respect in avoiding conflict during cross-cultural interactions.
国際会議の場においては、発言の機会を得る の際 に、簡潔かつ論理的な説明が求められる。
International-conference venue in, speaking opportunity gain at-time-of, concise and logical explanation required.
Specifies the requirements for speaking opportunities in formal international settings.
企業買収 の際、デューデリジェンスを通じて潜在的リスクの洗い出しが不可欠である。
Company-acquisition at-time-of, due diligence through potential risks identification essential.
Formal business terminology for risk assessment during M&A.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"緊急の際"
In case of emergency.
緊急の際は、エレベーターではなく階段を使用してください。
formal"万一の際"
In the unlikely event; in the worst-case scenario.
万一の際は、すぐに連絡網で知らせます。
formal"ご多忙の折"
During your busy time (polite expression).
ご多忙の折とは存じますが、ご協力をお願いいたします。
very formal/polite"お忙しいところ恐縮ですが、〜の際にご確認いただけますでしょうか。"
Apologies for bothering you during your busy time, but could you please confirm when [event]?
お忙しいところ恐縮ですが、ご提出の際にご確認いただけますでしょうか。
very formal/polite"〜の際、〜を怠らないように。"
When [event], be sure not to neglect [action].
重要な手続きの際、確認を怠らないように。
instructional/formal"〜の際、〜を厳守してください。"
At the time of [event], please strictly adhere to [rule/guideline].
安全確認の際、指示を厳守してください。
instructional/formalEasily Confused
Both mean 'when' or 'at the time of'.
〜時 is general and can be used in almost any context, formal or informal. 〜の際 is more formal and specifically points to an occasion, event, or procedure.
Casual: 学校に行く時、音楽を聴きます。(Gakkou ni iku toki, ongaku o kikimasu.) Formal: 申請 の際、必要書類を提出してください。(Shinsei no sai, hitsuyou shorui o teishutsu shite kudasai.)
Both refer to circumstances.
〜場合 often implies a condition, situation, or hypothetical scenario ('in the case of'). 〜の際 refers to a specific, often predetermined, event or occasion ('at the time of').
Hypothetical: 雨の場合、遠足は中止です。(Ame no baai, ensoku wa chuushi desu.) Specific Occasion: 到着 の際、係員にお声がけください。(Touchaku no sai, kakuin ni okoegake kudasai.)
Similar formal meaning to 〜の際.
〜折 is also formal and polite, often used in spoken Japanese, sometimes considered slightly softer or more literary than 〜の際. It can imply a favorable opportunity.
Formal Spoken: ご都合の良い折にご連絡ください。(Gotsugou no yoi ori ni gorenraku kudasai. - Please contact me at your convenience.) Formal Written/Procedural: 提出 の際 (Teishutsu no sai - at the time of submission).
Similar structure and formality.
〜折には is a set polite phrase often used to request something or make a polite statement about a future occasion. 〜の際 is more direct in specifying the timing of an action or condition.
Polite Request: お越しになれる折には、お土産をお持ちください。(Okoshi ni nareru ori ni wa, omiyage o omochi kudasai.) Specific Instruction: 支払い の際 には、現金のみとなります。(Shiharai no sai ni wa, genkin nomi to narimasu.)
Sentence Patterns
Noun + の + 際
会議 の際、質問があります。
Verb (dictionary form) + 際
申請する際、印鑑が必要です。
Noun + の + 際 + は/に
出発 の際 は、忘れ物がないか確認してください。
Verb (dictionary form) + 際 + には
ご来場する際 には、チケットをお持ちください。
Formal Noun Phrase + の + 際
緊急事態発生 の際、直ちに避難してください。
Word Family
Nouns
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
〜の際 has a formal tone and can sound stiff or overly polite in informal settings.
〜の際 points to a specific instance, while 〜場合 covers a broader range of possibilities or conditions.
While sometimes omitted in very concise writing (e.g., 申請際), it's generally safer and more common to include の.
〜の際 typically refers to a specific event or action occurring, not a continuous condition.
Using 〜の際 excessively can make speech or writing sound unnaturally formal or bureaucratic.
Tips
When to Use 〜の際
Think of 〜の際 as your go-to phrase when you need to sound formal and precise, especially in written instructions, official announcements, or business contexts. It highlights a specific event or moment.
Avoid Casual Overuse
Resist the temptation to use 〜の際 in casual chats with friends. Stick to 〜時 (toki) or 〜たら (tara) for everyday situations to sound more natural.
Noun + の + 際
The most common pattern is [Noun] + の + 際. Remember the の particle connects the noun to 際, creating the meaning 'at the time of the noun'.
Visualize the 'Occasion'
Picture a specific, important date circled on a formal document. That circled date represents the 'occasion' marked by 〜の際.
Keep it Simple: 'No Sai'
Pronounce it clearly as 'no sai'. Avoid adding extra sounds or stress. It's a short, functional phrase.
Politeness and Formality
Using 〜の際 demonstrates politeness and awareness of formal communication norms in Japanese culture, particularly in professional or official settings.
Contextual Learning
When you see 〜の際 in a textbook or online, pay close attention to the surrounding words. Notice what kind of event or action it's linked to. This helps solidify its usage.
〜の際 vs. 〜場合
Use 〜の際 for specific, often planned or procedural events (e.g., 'at the time of payment'). Use 〜場合 for more general conditions or possibilities (e.g., 'in case of rain').
Kanji Clues
The kanji 際 contains elements suggesting 'meeting' or 'being beside,' hinting at the idea of converging at a specific point in time or circumstance.
Rewrite Sentences
Take simple sentences using 'when' (e.g., 'When I arrived, I called.') and try rewriting them using 〜の際 in a formal context (e.g., 到着 の際、連絡しました。).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of the 'side' (際) of a road where you might have to take a specific action, like stopping for a sign. 'On the side (際) of the road, I had to stop.'
Visual Association
Imagine a calendar with a specific date circled in red, labeled 'The Occasion'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to rephrase simple 'when' sentences using 〜の際, focusing on formal contexts like instructions.
Word Origin
Sino-Japanese (Kanji 際)
Original meaning: The kanji 際 originally meant 'edge,' 'border,' or 'intertwined threads,' evolving to signify a 'juncture' or 'occasion.'
Cultural Context
Using 〜の際 in formal contexts shows respect for the situation and the audience. Using it inappropriately in casual settings might be perceived as overly stiff or distant.
In English, we use phrases like 'upon arrival,' 'in case of,' 'at the time of,' or 'when,' depending on the formality and context. The Japanese 〜の際 often covers the more formal end of this spectrum.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work / Business meetings
- 会議 の際、発言の機会をいただきました。
- 契約締結 の際、重要事項を確認しました。
- 報告書提出 の際、締め切り厳守でお願いします。
Official procedures / Applications
- 申し込み の際、必要書類をすべてご用意ください。
- 手続き の際、身分証明書の提示を求められました。
- 申請 の際、手数料の支払いが必要です。
Safety instructions / Emergency preparedness
- 火災発生 の際、慌てずに行動してください。
- 緊急 の際 は、このボタンを押してください。
- 避難 の際、指示に従ってください。
Customer service / Retail
- お支払い の際、ポイントカードはお持ちですか？
- ご来店 の際、受付でお名前をお伝えください。
- 返品 の際、レシートが必要となります。
Conversation Starters
"When you visit Japan, what's something you'd want to do on the occasion of arriving in Tokyo?"
"If there was an emergency, what's the first thing you'd do at the time of the incident?"
"What's a common procedure you have to follow when applying for something in your country?"
"Think about a time you had to present documents. What was that like on the occasion of submitting them?"
"What advice would you give someone on the occasion of their first day at a new job?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a situation where you had to follow strict instructions. Use 〜の際 to explain when the instructions applied.
Write about a formal event you attended. Use 〜の際 to describe what happened at specific moments during the event.
Imagine you are writing a safety manual for a new product. Use 〜の際 to explain safety procedures.
Reflect on a time you made a mistake. How could you have avoided it if you had paid more attention at the time of the action?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsBoth mean 'when' or 'at the time of'. However, 〜の際 is generally more formal and is often used to refer to specific events, procedures, or official occasions. 〜時 is more general and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Yes, but primarily in formal spoken situations like giving instructions, making announcements, or in business settings. In casual conversation, 〜時 (toki) or 〜たら (tara) are more common.
It often follows nouns (e.g., 申し込み - application, 到着 - arrival) or verb phrases (e.g., 質問がある - have a question). Sometimes, the particle の is omitted after verbs in very concise writing.
They are related but distinct. 〜場合 often refers to a 'case' or 'situation,' which can be hypothetical or general. 〜の際 usually points to a more specific, often predetermined, occasion or event.
It depends on the context, but common equivalents include 'at the time of,' 'on the occasion of,' 'upon,' 'in the event of,' or simply 'when,' especially in formal English.
It's generally too formal for everyday events like eating. You'd typically use 〜時 (toki) or 〜時 (go-ji) for meals. For example, 食事 の際 (shokuji no sai) sounds quite stiff unless it's part of a very formal announcement about a meal.
The kanji 際 (さい) means 'edge,' 'boundary,' 'occasion,' or 'circumstance.' Its original meaning relates to the edge or border of something, which metaphorically extends to a point in time or an event.
Yes, phrases like 緊急 の際 (in case of emergency), 支払い の際 (at the time of payment), and 申し込み の際 (at the time of application) are very common collocations.
Test Yourself
誕生日 ___ , プレゼントをもらいました。
〜の際 means 'at the time of' or 'on the occasion of', fitting the context of receiving a gift on a birthday.
Which phrase best translates 'at the time of application'?
申し込み の際 is the standard formal way to say 'at the time of application'.
The phrase 〜の際 is typically used in very casual, everyday conversations.
〜の際 has a formal tone and is more common in written instructions, announcements, or formal speech.
Word
Meaning
These pairs match common formal phrases with their English equivalents.
The correct sentence is: 必要書類 の際、必ず ご 確認 ください。(Hitsuyou shorui no sai, kanarazu gokakunin kudasai. - When it's the necessary documents, please be sure to confirm.)
この手続きは、申請者本人が窓口に来られる ___ に完了します。
〜の際 is used here for a specific condition of completion related to the applicant's personal visit, implying a formal procedure.
Which sentence uses 〜の際 most appropriately for a formal legal context?
契約締結 の際 (at the time of contract conclusion) is a formal legal/business context, fitting the usage of 〜の際.
災害発生 ___ は、冷静な対応が求められます。
災害発生 の際 is a standard formal phrase for 'in the event of a disaster,' emphasizing the specific critical occasion.
The phrase 〜の際 can be used interchangeably with 〜とき in all situations without changing the nuance.
While both mean 'when,' 〜の際 carries a stronger sense of formality, specific occasion, or procedural context compared to the more general 〜とき.
Word
Meaning
These demonstrate the use of 〜の際 in highly specialized and formal contexts.
Score: /10
Summary
Master 〜の際 to add precision and formality to your Japanese, especially in official or procedural contexts.
- 〜の際 means 'at the time of' or 'on the occasion of'.
- It's used in formal contexts like instructions and announcements.
- Often follows nouns (Noun + の + 際) or verbs.
- A more formal alternative to 〜時 (toki) for specific events.
When to Use 〜の際
Think of 〜の際 as your go-to phrase when you need to sound formal and precise, especially in written instructions, official announcements, or business contexts. It highlights a specific event or moment.
Avoid Casual Overuse
Resist the temptation to use 〜の際 in casual chats with friends. Stick to 〜時 (toki) or 〜たら (tara) for everyday situations to sound more natural.
Noun + の + 際
The most common pattern is [Noun] + の + 際. Remember the の particle connects the noun to 際, creating the meaning 'at the time of the noun'.
Visualize the 'Occasion'
Picture a specific, important date circled on a formal document. That circled date represents the 'occasion' marked by 〜の際.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More work words
調整
A1The act of making small changes to something to achieve a desired fit, function, or balance. In a work context, it specifically refers to coordinating schedules or aligning different opinions to reach an agreement.
有利な
B1Advantageous or favorable.
承知する
B1To acknowledge, agree; to be aware of and consent to something.
年収
B1Annual income; yearly salary.
応募
B1To apply for a position, a competition, a prize, or a public offer. It indicates a proactive step to participate in something.
応募する
B1To apply for a job or position.
勤怠
B1Attendance record; presence or absence from work.
係員
A2Person in charge; attendant.
～と同時に
B1At the same time as, simultaneously with.
ぎんこういん
A2Bank employee.
