Posted inN3 Grammar

Mastering 「際に (さいに)」: A Formal Way to Say “When” (JLPT N3 Grammar)

Posted inN3 Grammar
Japanese Grammar Template
Meaning & Usage

✨ Basic Meaning

Means “at the time of,” “when,” or “on the occasion of.”

🎯 Primary Function

Functions as a more formal or official equivalent of 「とき」.

📋 Grammar Structure

Verb (plain form) + 際に Noun + の + 際に Demonstrative (e.g., この, その) + 際に

🎭 Usage Contexts

🏢 Formal Situations

Widely used in business settings, official announcements, formal requests, and polite instructions.

😊 Informal Situations

Rarely used; sounds overly stiff and unnatural.

✍️ Written Language

Very common in written documents, manuals, contracts, notifications, and formal letters.

🗣️ Spoken Language

Used in formal speeches, presentations, business conversations, or polite inquiries.

💡 Common Applications

Providing instructions for specific actions.
Used to indicate the time or situation when a particular action should be taken.
Example: 申込書を提出する際に、身分証明書が必要です。 (Mōshikomi-sho o teishutsu suru sai ni, mibun shōmei-sho ga hitsuyō desu.) When submitting the application form, identification is required.
Describing events that occur during a specific period or occasion.
Used to specify the timing of an event, often one of some importance or formality.
Example: 出張の際に、新しい取引先と会いました。 (Shutchō no sai ni, atarashii torihikisaki to aimashita.) At the time of my business trip, I met with a new client.
Giving warnings or important notices.
Highlights the specific situation where caution or attention is needed.
Example: ご使用の際に、必ず取扱説明書をお読みください。 (Go shiyō no sai ni, kanarazu toriatsukai setsumei-sho o o-yomi kudasai.) When using this product, please be sure to read the instruction manual.
📊
Frequency
Moderately high in formal and written contexts. Low in casual conversation.
🎚️
Difficulty
N3
Example Sentences
本製品を廃棄する際に、専門業者にご相談ください。
When disposing of this product, please consult a specialist.
ご予約の際に、お名前とご連絡先をお伺いします。
At the time of your reservation, we will ask for your name and contact information.
その際は、私にご連絡ください。
In that case (at that time/occasion), please contact me.
Notes & Nuances

📌 Important Points

Formality
際に is significantly more formal than とき. Use it in situations where politeness and respect are required, such as business communication, official procedures, or public announcements.
Example: 申込書をご提出の際に、印鑑をお持ちください。（Formal/Correct） 申込書を提出する時に、印鑑を持ってきてください。（Less formal/Casual）
Specific Occasions
It often refers to a specific, notable, or formal event or situation, rather than just any casual “when”.
Example: 旅行に行った際に、お土産を買いました。(Slightly unnatural, とき is more common for general travel) 海外旅行の際に、パスポートが必要です。(Natural, refers to the specific occasion of traveling abroad)

⚠️ Common Mistakes

❌ Using 際に in casual conversation.
✅ Use とき or ときに instead.
際に sounds stiff and overly formal in casual settings among friends or family.
❌ Incorrect conjugation with verbs.
✅ Always use the plain (dictionary or past) form of the verb before 際に.
Do not use the ます form or other conjugated forms like て form.

🏛️ Cultural Context

Politeness Level: High
Social Situations: Business, official procedures, public announcements, formal requests/instructions, important events.
Regional Variations: None notable. Usage depends more on formality than region.

🔍 Subtle Differences

際に vs. とき
際に is much more formal and often refers to a specific, important, or public occasion. とき is general and can be used for any time or situation, formal or informal.
When to use: Use 際に for formal contexts, official instructions, or important events. Use とき for general “when” in various situations, including casual ones.
際に vs. ときに
ときに can sometimes imply a specific point *in* time or “on the occasion of”. 際に is also “on the occasion of” but carries a higher degree of formality.
When to use: 際に for maximum formality, especially in writing or official announcements. ときに can sometimes replace とき for slightly more specific timing but is less formal than 際に.
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When to use: undefined

📝 Conjugation Notes

Verbs: Plain form (present or past) Nouns: Noun + の Demonstratives: その際, この際 (always followed by 際)

🔊 Pronunciation Tips

Pronounced “sai ni”. The さ (sa) is pronounced like the “sa” in “sake”, い (i) like “ee” in “see”, and に (ni) like “ni” in “nickel”. The emphasis is relatively flat.

🧠 Memory Tips

Think of 「際に」 as meaning “on the *occasion* of…” or “at the *time* of…” for important or formal events. Associate 際 (さい) with words like 国際 (こくさい – international) or 実際 (じっさい – in reality), which have a somewhat formal feel.

Practice Exercises
パスポートを（　　）際に、大使館に行く必要があります。
作る
作るの
作った
作ったの
この（　　）に、一度家族と話し合ってみましょう。
時
際に
時で
際の
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