Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
~折に (〜ori ni)

~折に (〜ori ni)

Short explanation:

Indicates the time when something happens; 'when', 'at the time of'.

Formation:

Verb-dictionary form + 折に, Noun + の折に

Examples:

父が病気の折に、私は留学していました。
Chichi ga byouki no ori ni, watashi wa ryuugaku shite imashita.
When my father was ill, I was studying abroad.
日本へ行く折に、お土産を買ってきてください。
Nihon e iku ori ni, omiyage wo katte kite kudasai.
When you go to Japan, please buy souvenirs.
子供が寝ている折に、静かにしてください。
Kodomo ga nete iru ori ni, shizuka ni shite kudasai.
Please be quiet when the child is sleeping.
彼に会う折に、この手紙を渡してください。
Kare ni au ori ni, kono tegami wo watashite kudasai.
Please give him this letter when you see him.

Long explanation:

The ~折に grammar point is used to express the occurrence of another event at the time when a certain situation or event happens. It emphasizes the chance or timing of an event happening and correspondence with another event.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~折に (〜ori ni)

Japanese Grammar Point: ~折に (〜ori ni)

~折に (〜おりに)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ~折に (〜おりに) is a formal expression used to indicate an opportunity or a specific occasion when something happens. It translates to "on the occasion of," "when," or "at the time of" in English. Understanding how to use ~折に correctly can enhance your ability to communicate formally in Japanese, especially in written language or polite conversations.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

  • ~折に is used to express a specific opportunity or occasion when one event coincides with another.
  • It emphasizes that something happens during a particular chance or timing, often used to highlight an intentional action taken when the opportunity arises.

Structure

  • Verb (Dictionary Form / Ta-form) + 折に
  • Noun + の + 折に

Formation Diagram

Part of Speech Formation
Verb Dictionary Form 行く折に (When going)
Verb Ta-form 行った折に (When went)
Noun + の 東京の折に (On the occasion in Tokyo)

3. Comparative Analysis

~折に vs. ときに

  • ときに is a general term for "when," used in both formal and informal contexts.
  • ~折に is more formal and often used in written language or polite speech.
    Grammar Point Formality Usage
    ときに Neutral General "when," any context
    ~折に Formal Specific occasion, formal contexts

~折に vs. 際に (さいに)

  • Both express "when" or "on the occasion of."
  • 際に is also formal but often used for official announcements or instructions.
  • ~折に carries a nuance of a special opportunity or a fortunate chance.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

  1. 出張の折に、京都を訪ねました。
    (しゅっちょうのおりに、きょうとをたずねました。)

    I visited Kyoto when I was on a business trip.
  2. 次にお目にかかった折に、詳しくご説明いたします。
    (つぎにおめにかかったおりに、くわしくごせつめいいたします。)

    I'll explain it in detail the next time we meet.
  3. ご来日の折には、ぜひご連絡ください。
    (ごらいにちのおりには、ぜひごれんらくください。)

    Please contact me when you come to Japan.
  4. この書類は面接の折に必要となります。
    (このしょるいはめんせつのおりにひつようとなります。)

    You will need this document at the time of the interview.
  5. お困りの折には、お知らせください。
    (おこまりのおりには、おしらせください。)

    Please let me know if you are ever in need.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

  • Formal Communication: ~折に is often used in formal letters, business emails, and polite conversations.
  • Politeness Levels: Using ~折に adds a level of respect and formality, suitable for talking to superiors, clients, or people you are not close with.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • この折に: An expression meaning "on this occasion," often used to seize an opportunity to express gratitude or make a request.
    • : この折に、お礼申し上げます。
      (このおりに、おれいもうしあげます。)

      I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

  1. Using ~折に in Casual Conversation: Since ~折に is formal, using it in casual settings may sound out of place.
    • Correction: Use ときに instead for casual contexts.
  2. Incorrect Verb Form: Mixing up the verb forms can lead to errors.
    • Ensure you use the dictionary form or ta-form of the verb before 折に.

Tips

  • Mnemonic Device: Think of 折 (おり) as "fold" or "occasion," folding two events together—this helps remember that it connects two related happenings.
  • Association: Associate 折に with formal situations like business meetings or official events to recall its formality.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~折に is a formal expression meaning "on the occasion of" or "when."
  • Used with Verb (Dictionary Form / Ta-form) or Noun + の.
  • Appropriate in formal writing and polite speech.
  • Distinct from ときに and 際に due to its nuance of a special opportunity.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. Choose the correct form to fill in the blank: 次に日本に来た___、連絡してください。 a) ときに
    b) 折に
    c) ついでに Answer: b) 折に
  2. True or False: ~折に can be used in casual conversations with close friends. Answer: False
  3. Which sentence is more formal? a) 会ったときに話しましょう。
    b) お会いした折にご説明いたします。 Answer: b) お会いした折にご説明いたします。

Feel free to revisit this guide to strengthen your understanding of ~折に and its proper usage in Japanese communication. Remember, using the correct level of formality is key to mastering the language!

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