Posted inN1 Grammar

Mastering ～に際して (ni sai shite): Formal Timing for Advanced Learners

Posted inN1 Grammar
Japanese Grammar Template
Meaning & Usage

✨ Basic Meaning

At the time of; On the occasion of; When (a significant event or situation occurs)

🎯 Primary Function

To indicate the timing of an action or statement coincides with a specific, often important or formal, event or situation.

📋 Grammar Structure

Verb dictionary form + に際して / に際し Noun + に際して / に際し

🎭 Usage Contexts

🏢 Formal Situations

Widely used in formal speeches, official announcements, business communication, and formal writing.

😊 Informal Situations

Rarely, if ever, used in casual conversations.

✍️ Written Language

Very common in formal written materials such as official documents, reports, news articles, and formal letters.

🗣️ Spoken Language

Used in formal spoken contexts like ceremonies, presentations, and formal greetings.

💡 Common Applications

Formal Announcements/Speeches
Used when making a statement or taking an action related to an important event like starting a new project, opening a facility, or making an important announcement.
Example: 新事業を開始するに際して、ご挨拶申し上げます。 (Shin jigyō o kaishi suru ni sai shite, go aisatsu mōshiagemasu.) – On the occasion of starting our new business, I would like to offer a greeting.
Entering/Leaving a Place
Used when entering or leaving a specific location, often with a specific purpose.
Example: この建物に入るに際しては、受付で記名が必要です。 (Kono tatemono ni hairu ni sai shite wa, uketsuke de kimei ga hitsuyō desu.) – When entering this building, registration at the reception is required.
Specific Events/Situations
Used to refer to actions or considerations taken specifically because a particular event is happening.
Example: 海外旅行に際して、パスポートの準備をしました。 (Kaigai ryokō ni sai shite, pasupōto no junbi o shimashita.) – When traveling overseas, I prepared my passport.
📊
Frequency
Moderate in formal contexts; low in general conversation.
🎚️
Difficulty
Advanced (JLPT N1)
Example Sentences
この度、大学を卒業するに際し、お世話になった皆様に心より感謝申し上げます。
On the occasion of graduating from university, I sincerely thank everyone who has supported me.
本サービスをご利用いただくに際して、以下の規約をお読みください。
When using this service, please read the following terms and conditions.
新しいプロジェクトチームを発足するに際して、全員で目標を共有しました。
On the occasion of launching the new project team, everyone shared the goals.
Notes & Nuances

📌 Important Points

High Level of Formality
～に際して is a very formal expression and is not suitable for casual conversation.
Example: 友達と遊ぶに際して… (X – incorrect) -> 友達と遊ぶとき… (O – correct)
Used for Specific, Often Significant Events
It is typically used for important milestones, ceremonies, procedures, or planned events, rather than everyday occurrences.
Example: 毎日歯を磨くに際して… (X – incorrect) -> 結婚するに際して… (O – correct)

⚠️ Common Mistakes

❌ Using it for trivial or routine events.
✅ Use it only for significant or special occasions.
～に際して emphasizes the importance or special nature of the timing.
❌ Using it in informal conversation.
✅ Reserve it for formal spoken or written contexts.
It sounds unnatural and overly stiff in casual settings.

🏛️ Cultural Context

Politeness Level: Very High
Social Situations: Business meetings, ceremonies, public announcements, official letters/documents.
Regional Variations: No significant regional variations.

🔍 Subtle Differences

～に際して vs. ～にあたって
Both are formal and mean “when/on the occasion of a special event.” ～にあたって often has a nuance of preparation or resolution towards the event, while ～に際して is sometimes seen as slightly more neutral, simply marking the timing of the event itself.
When to use: Use ～にあたって when the action/statement is done *in preparation for* or *at the commencement* of a major event. Use ～に際して for actions/statements that occur *during* or *triggered by* the event, or simply to state something applies *at that time*. Often interchangeable for grand occasions.
～に際して vs. ～ときに / ～際に
～ときに is the general, neutral term for “when.” ～際に is more formal than ～ときに but less formal than ～に際して, and can be used for a broader range of situations, including less significant ones than those typically associated with に際して.
When to use: Use ～ときに for any “when” situation. Use ～際に for slightly formal “when” situations, including procedures or specific actions. Use ～に際して for highly formal “when” situations involving significant events or milestones.
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📝 Conjugation Notes

Attaches to the plain form (dictionary form) of verbs and directly to nouns. The particle に is essential.

🔊 Pronunciation Tips

際 (さい – sai) is pronounced with a clear “sa-i”. して (shite) follows standard pronunciation. The phrase flows together naturally: にさいして (ni sai shite).

🧠 Memory Tips

Associate 際 (さい) with words like 国際 (こくさい – international) or 実際 (じっさい – in reality), which often involve significant points or occasions. Think of “際” as marking a “juncture” or “occasion”.

Practice Exercises
卒業（ ）際して、感謝の気持ちを伝えたい。
に
が
を
へ
契約する（ ）、よく内容を確認してください。
こと
とき
に際し
なら
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