Processing keyword: ～とき (〜toki)
Japanese Grammar Point: ～とき (〜toki)
1. Introduction
The grammar point ～とき (〜toki) is a fundamental structure in Japanese that is used to express "when" or "at the time when". It allows speakers to indicate the time or occasion when an action or event occurs.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
- ～とき translates to "when", "at the time of", or "on the occasion of" in English.
- It connects two clauses, indicating that one action occurs when another action or state happens.
Structure
The structure of ～とき varies depending on whether it follows a noun, adjective, or verb and the tense (past or present).
Formation Diagram
| Part of Speech | Formation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb (dictionary) | Verb る + とき | 行く とき (when going) |
| Verb (た-form) | Verb た + とき | 行った とき (when went) |
| い-adjective | Adj い + とき | 忙しい とき (when busy) |
| な-adjective | Adj な + とき | 静かな とき (when quiet) |
| Noun | Noun の + とき | 子供 のとき (when a child) |
Detailed Explanation
- Verbs in Present Tense (Dictionary Form) + とき
- Indicates that the action in the main clause occurs before or during the action in the とき clause.
- Example: 行くとき、電話してください。 (When you go, please call me.)
- Verbs in Past Tense (た-form) + とき
- Indicates that the action in the main clause occurs after the action in the とき clause.
- Example: 行ったとき、電話しました。 (When I went, I called.)
- Adjectives and Nouns
- Follow the standard conjugation patterns with とき.
- Example with い-adjective: 忙しいとき、カフェに行きます。 (When I'm busy, I go to a cafe.)
- Example with な-adjective: 静かなとき、本を読みます。 (When it's quiet, I read a book.)
- Example with Noun: 子供のとき、よく遊んだ。 (When I was a child, I often played.)
3. Comparative Analysis
～とき vs. ～ときに
- とき and ときに are often interchangeable.
- に emphasizes the specific time when something happens.
- Example:
- 会うとき、話しましょう。 (Let's talk when we meet.)
- 会うときに、話しましょう。 (Let's talk at the time we meet.)
～とき vs. ～間 (あいだ)
- とき refers to a specific point or period in time.
- 間 refers to the entire duration of a period.
- Example:
- 勉強するとき、音楽を聴きます。 (I listen to music when I study.)
- 勉強している間、音楽を聴きます。 (I listen to music while I am studying.)
4. Examples in Context
Formal Situations
- 出張するとき、連絡してください。
- しゅっちょうするとき、れんらくしてください。
- Please contact me when you go on a business trip.
- 会議が終わったとき、報告書を提出します。
- かいぎがおわったとき、ほうこくしょをていしゅつします。
- I will submit the report when the meeting ends.
Informal Situations
- 暇なとき、映画を見よう。
- ひまなとき、えいがをみよう。
- Let's watch a movie when we're free.
- 東京に来たとき、連絡してね。
- とうきょうにきたとき、れんらくしてね。
- When you come to Tokyo, get in touch!
Spoken Language
- 寝るとき、テレビを消してください。
- ねるとき、テレビをけしてください。
- Please turn off the TV when you go to bed.
- 忙しいときは後で電話するよ。
- いそがしいときはあとででんわするよ。
- When I'm busy, I'll call you later.
Written Language
- 桜が咲くとき、日本はとても美しい。
- さくらがさくとき、にほんはとてもうつくしい。
- When the cherry blossoms bloom, Japan is very beautiful.
- 旅行する時は、事前に計画を立てるべきだ。
- りょこうするときは、じぜんにけいかくをたてるべきだ。
- When traveling, one should make plans in advance.
5. Cultural Notes
Levels of Politeness
- The use of とき is neutral and can be used in both polite and casual settings.
- Adjust the politeness level by changing verb endings and using appropriate honorifics.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 時は金なり (ときはかねなり)
- Time is money.
- いい時もあれば悪い時もある
- There are good times and bad times.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Using the wrong verb tense before とき
- Remember that the verb tense before とき affects the temporal relationship between the two clauses.
- Forgetting the の with nouns
- When using nouns before とき, don't forget to add の.
- Incorrect: 子供とき
- Correct: 子供のとき
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device
- "When in time, とき is fine." - Remember that とき relates to "when" in time.
- Practice with Timelines
- Draw timelines to visualize when actions occur in relation to each other.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ～とき is used to express "when" an action or state occurs.
- The verb form before とき determines the timing relationship between clauses.
- It is important to use the correct form based on the part of speech (verbs, adjectives, nouns).
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you say "When I eat, I watch TV" in Japanese?
- Answer: 食べるとき、テレビを見ます。
- Which form of the verb do you use before とき if the main action happens after?
- Answer: The past tense (た-form) of the verb.
- Fill in the blank: 静か_とき、本を読みます。
- Answer: 静かなとき、本を読みます。
Feel free to revisit any section for clarification or further practice!