Posted inN1 Grammar

Mastering ～において: A Deep Dive for JLPT N1

Posted inN1 Grammar
Japanese Grammar Template
Meaning & Usage

✨ Basic Meaning

At, in, on, during, concerning, regarding.

🎯 Primary Function

Used to indicate the location, time, or specific situation/field where an action or event takes place. It adds a formal or objective tone.

📋 Grammar Structure

名詞 + において (N + において)

🎭 Usage Contexts

🏢 Formal Situations

Widely used in formal speeches, presentations, and official announcements.

😊 Informal Situations

Rarely used. Sounds unnatural and overly stiff.

✍️ Written Language

Very common in academic papers, news articles, legal documents, business reports, and formal correspondence.

🗣️ Spoken Language

Used in formal spoken contexts, but less frequently than in writing.

💡 Common Applications

Indicating location of events or actions (formal).
Similar to 「〜で」 but more formal. Used for places where events occur.
Example: 会場において、開会式が行われました。(At the venue, the opening ceremony was held.)
Indicating time or period (formal).
Similar to 「〜に」 or 「〜の際に」 but more formal. Used for specific points in time or periods.
Example: 現代において、インターネットは不可欠な存在です。(In the modern era, the internet is an indispensable presence.)
Indicating a specific field, area, or situation (concerning/regarding).
Used to specify the domain or context being discussed. Can often be followed by 〜における + Noun.
Example: 教育において、新たな改革が必要です。(In the field of education, new reforms are necessary.)
📊
Frequency
High in formal and written contexts, low in casual spoken Japanese.
🎚️
Difficulty
N1
Example Sentences
会議は本社会議室において行われます。
The meeting will be held at the head office conference room.
歴史上において、この出来事は非常に重要です。
In the course of history, this event is extremely important.
経済において、新たな課題が浮上しています。
In the economy, new challenges are surfacing.
Notes & Nuances

📌 Important Points

Formal Equivalent
Serves as a more formal alternative to particles like 「〜で」 (for location) or 「〜に」 (for time/situation).
Example: 公園で遊ぶ vs. 会場において式典を行う
Scope and Domain
Often used to specify the area, field, or context being discussed, not just a physical location.
Example: 科学において (In the field of science)

⚠️ Common Mistakes

❌ Using it in casual conversation.
✅ Use 「〜で」 or 「〜に」 instead.
「〜において」 is too formal for everyday, casual speech and sounds unnatural.
❌ undefined
✅ undefined
undefined

🏛️ Cultural Context

Politeness Level: High (Formal)
Social Situations: Speeches, presentations, official announcements, academic discussions, business meetings.
Regional Variations: None significant.

🔍 Subtle Differences

〜において vs 〜で
〜において is more formal and often used for specific events, situations, or abstract fields. 〜で is less formal and generally indicates the location of an action or the means.
When to use: Use 〜において in formal written or spoken contexts for specific locations/times/fields. Use 〜で in general contexts for location/means.
〜において vs 〜に
〜において is more formal and often highlights the “setting” or “context”. 〜に has various uses including location, time, direction, target, etc., and is less formal.
When to use: Use 〜において for formal settings/contexts/times. Use 〜に for a wider range of meanings in less formal contexts.
〜において vs 〜にて
〜にて is also formal and similar to 〜において, often used for location or means. Some feel 〜にて is slightly more archaic or used in specific situations like invitations.
When to use: Both are formal, but 〜において is generally more versatile for time/field/situation. 〜にて is often preferred for specific locations or means in certain formal writings/announcements.

📝 Conjugation Notes

The grammar pattern is always 名詞 + において. There is no verb conjugation involved.

🔊 Pronunciation Tips

Pronounce “ni-o-i-te” clearly. The “oi” is a diphthong.

🧠 Memory Tips

Think of 「お(O)」 as signifying “official” or “occasion”. Remember the phrase 「場所・時・分野において」 (basho, toki, bunya ni oite) meaning “at a place, at a time, in a field” to recall its main uses.

Practice Exercises
この製品は、安全性___において優れています。
に
で
において
から
彼のスピーチは、内容___、構成___も完璧でした。
において / において
にて / にて
で / で
から / から
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