Processing keyword: ～において (〜ni oite)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～において (〜ni oite)

1. Introduction

The expression ～において (〜ni oite) is a Japanese grammar point used to indicate the location, time, or situation where something occurs. It is often found in formal writing and speeches. Understanding this grammar point will enhance your ability to comprehend and express ideas in more formal contexts.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

～において translates to:

• "In"
• "At"
• "On"
• "Regarding" It is used to specify where or when an action takes place, or in what context something occurs.

Structure

Formation:

[Place/Time/Situation] + において + Action/Event

• [Noun] において [Verb Phrase/Noun]

Formation Diagram

graph LR
A[Noun<br>(Place/Time/Situation)] --> B[において] --> C[Action/Event]

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3. Comparative Analysis

～において vs. ～で

Grammar Point	Usage	Formality	Example
～において	Indicates location, time, or situation of an action/event	Formal	会議において発表する。
～で	Indicates location of an action/event	Casual	会議で発表する。

• ～において is more formal and often used in written language, official statements, and academic contexts.
• ～で is used in everyday conversation and less formal situations.

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Indicating Place

• 科学技術館において展示会が開催されます。
  • An exhibition will be held at the Science and Technology Museum.

2. Indicating Time

• 20世紀において、多くの発明が生まれた。
  • Many inventions were made in the 20th century.

3. Indicating Situation/Context

• 教育の分野において、彼は有名な人物です。
  • He is a famous person in the field of education.

4. Formal Writing Example

• 国際会議において重要な議論が行われた。
  • Important discussions were held at the international conference.

5. Business Context

• 弊社においては、お客様の満足度を最優先します。
  • In our company, we prioritize customer satisfaction.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Formality Level:
  • Used in formal contexts such as official announcements, reports, academic papers, and business communications.
  • Not commonly used in everyday casual conversation.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 司法の場において
  • In the field of justice
• 国際的な舞台において
  • On the international stage

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using ～において in Casual Conversation
   • Incorrect: 昨日、友達において映画を見た。
   • Correct: 昨日、友達と映画を見た。
   • Reason: Using ～において is too formal for casual conversation.
2. Confusing ～において with ～で
   • Incorrect: 学校において勉強します。(In casual context)
   • Correct: 学校で勉強します。
   • Reason: Use ～で for everyday activities in casual settings.

Learning Strategies

• Remember the Formality: Associate ～において with formal writing or speeches.
• Mnemonic Device: Think of "おいて" as "at a point in..." to recall its usage in specifying context.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～において is used to indicate the place, time, or context of an action in formal settings.
• Equivalent to "in," "at," "on," or "regarding" in English.
• Often replaced by ～で in casual conversation.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ～において express? a) Causation
   b) Location, time, or context
   c) Ability
   Answer: b) Location, time, or context
2. Which sentence is more formal?
   • A: 東京でオリンピックが開催された。
   • B: 東京においてオリンピックが開催された。
     Answer: B
3. Fill in the blank with the correct particle: 会議___、新しいプロジェクトが提案された。 Answer: において

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By mastering ～において, you can enhance your formal Japanese communication skills and better understand formal texts.

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