Meaning & Usage
✨ Basic Meaning
“When,” “Upon,” or “At the time of.” It emphasizes the specific moment of a special or significant event, often indicating preparation or an action taken *before* or *at the beginning* of that event.
🎯 Primary Function
To indicate that something important is about to happen, is happening, or is beginning, and that a particular action or consideration is being made in connection with that event. It implies a sense of gravity or importance to the occasion.
📋 Grammar Structure
動詞の辞書形 + にあたって (Verb dictionary form + ni atatte)
名詞 + にあたって (Noun + ni atatte)
🎭 Usage Contexts
Formal Situations
Very common in formal speeches, announcements, official documents, and business contexts.
Informal Situations
Rarely used. Sounds overly stiff and unnatural in casual conversation.
Written Language
Frequently encountered in formal writing, reports, essays, official letters, and news articles.
Spoken Language
Primarily used in formal speeches, presentations, or ceremonies. Not for everyday conversation.
💡 Common Applications
New Beginnings/Major Events
Used when starting a new project, beginning a new phase of life, or at important ceremonies.
Example: 新しい事業を始めるにあたって (At the start of a new business…)
Important Decisions/Actions
When taking a crucial step or making a significant decision.
Example: 製品の発売にあたって (Upon the release of the product…)
Formal Announcements/Greetings
In formal addresses, especially when expressing gratitude or making an announcement related to a significant event.
Example: 卒業にあたって、心から感謝申し上げます (Upon graduation, I express my heartfelt gratitude…)
Frequency
Medium to High in formal contexts, very low in informal contexts.
Difficulty
JLPT N2. It requires understanding the formality and specific nuance of “significant occasion.”
Example Sentences
新しいプロジェクトを始めるにあたって、皆様のご協力を賜りたいと存じます。
At the start of the new project, we would like to humbly request everyone’s cooperation.
会社を設立するにあたって、様々な準備が必要だった。
In establishing the company, various preparations were necessary.
卒業にあたって、先生方に心から感謝申し上げます。
Upon graduation, I express my heartfelt gratitude to my teachers.
Notes & Nuances
📌 Important Points
Significance
It must be a *significant* or *special* event, turning point, or beginning. It cannot be used for everyday occurrences.
Example: 結婚にあたって (Upon marriage) – Correct
毎日会社に行くにあたって (When going to work every day) – Incorrect
Timing
The action or statement typically occurs *at the time of* or *just before* the significant event, often implying preparations or a decision made in relation to it.
Example: 開店にあたって、特別なセールを開催します。 (Upon opening the store, we will hold a special sale.)
⚠️ Common Mistakes
❌ Using it for casual or routine events.
✅ 会社に行く時、電車に乗ります。
“Ni atatte” implies a special, non-routine event. Going to work daily is routine.
❌ undefined
✅ undefined
undefined
🏛️ Cultural Context
Politeness Level: High politeness level. Indicates respect for the occasion and the audience.
Social Situations: Used in business meetings, formal ceremonies, official speeches, public announcements, and formal written communication (e.g., letters, reports).
Regional Variations: No significant regional variations; its usage is standard across Japan in formal contexts.
🔍 Subtle Differences
〜にあたって vs. 〜に際して (ni saishite)
Both are very similar and often interchangeable, meaning “on the occasion of” or “at the time of.” にあたって often implies taking action or making preparations *for* or *at the start* of a new, significant event, typically positive or constructive. に際して can be used for significant events, but often for actions *during* or *concurrent with* the event, and can also be used for negative or difficult situations where にあたって might sound odd.
When to use: Use にあたって for new beginnings, positive significant events, and preparations. Use に際して when you want a highly formal tone for any significant (positive or negative) event, or for actions taken concurrently.
〜にあたって vs. 〜時 (toki)
〜時 is a general, neutral term for “when,” applicable to any situation, formal or informal, significant or trivial. 〜にあたって specifically marks a *significant, special occasion* with a formal tone.
When to use: Use 〜時 for everyday actions or general timing. Use 〜にあたって for solemn, formal, and significant moments.
〜にあたって vs. 〜際に (sai ni)
Both mean “when” or “at the time of” and are relatively formal. 〜際に is formal but more neutral than にあたって. It can refer to any specific moment or opportunity, not necessarily a grand, new beginning. It’s often used for procedural or specific instances. にあたって always implies a new, important phase or beginning.
When to use: Use 〜際に for formal situations that require specifying a particular moment or instance (e.g., signing a contract, entering a building). Use にあたって when the event itself is a major milestone or turning point.
📝 Conjugation Notes
Connects directly to the dictionary form of verbs (e.g., 始めるにあたって) and nouns (e.g., 卒業にあたって).
🔊 Pronunciation Tips
Pronounced “ni atatte.” The “っ” (small tsu) indicates a double consonant for the following “t,” so a brief pause before “tatte.”
🧠 Memory Tips
Think of “あたって” as “当たって” (atatte – hitting/facing) a significant point or milestone. “Upon facing a significant event…”
Vocabulary List
プロジェクト
purojekuto
project
始める
hajimeru
to start, to begin
皆様
minasama
everyone (polite)
協力
kyouryoku
cooperation
賜る
tamawaru
to receive (humble form), to be granted
存じます
zonjimasu
to think, to know (humble form of 思う/知る)
設立する
to establish, to found
Kanji List
始
はじ
begin, start
皆
みな
all, everyone
協
きょう
cooperation
力
りょく
power, strength, effort
賜
たまわ
grant, be given
存
ぞん
suppose, know
設
せつ
establish, set up
立
りつ
stand, establish
様
さま
way, manner; polite suffix
準
じゅん
prepare, semi-
備
び
prepare, equip
Practice Exercises
新しい事業を＿＿＿＿、綿密な計画を立てました。
A. 始める時
B. 始めるにあたって
C. 始めてから
D. 始めるので
この本を出版＿＿＿＿、多くの専門家にご協力いただきました。
A. する際に
B. するにあたって
C. した時
D. したばかりで
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