Processing keyword: ～にあたり (〜ni atari)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～にあたり (〜ni atari)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～にあたり (〜ni atari) is a formal expression used in Japanese to indicate an important event or occasion where some action is taken. It translates to "on the occasion of," "at the time of," or "when." This expression is often found in speeches, formal announcements, and written documents.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ～にあたり (〜ni atari): On the occasion of; At the time of; When; Before undertaking

Structure

The structure involves attaching ～にあたり to a noun or the dictionary form of a verb.

Formation Diagram

Formation	Usage
Noun + にあたり	When doing Noun
Verb (Dictionary form) + にあたり	When Verb-ing; On the occasion of Verb

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Examples:

• 会議にあたり
  • On the occasion of the meeting
• 留学するにあたり
  • When studying abroad

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3. Comparative Analysis

～に際して (〜ni saishite)

• Similarity: Both expressions are used in formal contexts to indicate "on the occasion of" or "when."
• Difference: ～に際して can be used for both positive and neutral events, whereas ～にあたり often implies preparation for an important or special event.

Example Comparison

• 出発にあたり、必要な書類を確認した。
  • Before departing, I checked the necessary documents.
• 出発に際して、皆が見送りに来てくれた。
  • On the occasion of my departure, everyone came to see me off.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Written Context

1. 新プロジェクトを開始するにあたり、皆様のご協力をお願い申し上げます。
   • On the occasion of starting the new project, we kindly request everyone's cooperation.
2. 図書館の利用方法変更にあたり、以下の点にご注意ください。
   • When changing the library's usage methods, please pay attention to the following points.

Formal Spoken Context

3. 開会にあたり、一言ご挨拶申し上げます。
   • On the occasion of the opening, I would like to say a few words of greeting.
4. 展示会開催にあたり、多くの方々のご尽力に感謝いたします。
   • On the occasion of holding the exhibition, we express our gratitude to the efforts of many people.

Business Context

5. 契約更新にあたり、条件を見直したいと思います。
   • When renewing the contract, we would like to review the conditions.
6. 新製品発売にあたり、キャンペーンを実施します。
   • On the occasion of the new product launch, we will conduct a campaign.

Academic Context

7. 論文を発表するにあたり、多くのご指導をいただきました。
   • On the occasion of presenting my thesis, I received a lot of guidance.
8. 入学にあたり、必要な手続きを説明します。
   • When enrolling, I will explain the necessary procedures.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Formality: ～にあたり is a highly formal expression, appropriate for official documents, formal speeches, and written communications.
• Politeness: Its usage reflects respect and seriousness towards the occasion or event, aligning with Japanese values of formality and respect in professional and social settings.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 就任にあたり
  • On the occasion of assuming a position
• 創立記念にあたり
  • On the occasion of the founding anniversary

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using with Casual Events
   • Incorrect: 友達と遊ぶにあたり、準備をした。
     • (Using にあたり for a casual event like playing with friends is unnatural.)
   • Correction: 友達と遊ぶ前に、準備をした。
     • Before playing with my friends, I prepared.
2. Incorrect Verb Forms
   • Incorrect: 卒業したにあたり
     • (Using past tense is incorrect.)
   • Correction: 卒業するにあたり
     • On the occasion of graduating

Tips

• Formality Check: Reserve ～にあたり for formal situations involving important events or actions.
• Verb Form: Always use the dictionary form of the verb before にあたり.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～にあたり is a formal expression meaning "on the occasion of" or "when."
• Used with nouns or dictionary form verbs.
• Appropriate for formal written and spoken contexts.
• Reflects respect and preparation for significant events.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the correct grammar point: 新店舗オープン______、セールを開催します。
   • Answer: にあたり
2. Is it appropriate to use ～にあたり in the following sentence? 昨日、映画を見るにあたり、チケットを予約した。
   • Answer: No. It is too casual; にあたり is too formal for this context.
3. Which verb form is used before にあたり?
   • Answer: Dictionary form (plain present tense)

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Thank you for studying ～にあたり! Practice using this expression in formal contexts to enhance your Japanese proficiency.

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