Processing keyword: ～折には (〜ori ni wa)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～折には (〜ori ni wa)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～折には (〜おりには) is a formal Japanese expression used to convey "on the occasion of" or "when". It's often employed in polite conversations, formal writings, or business contexts to indicate a specific time or opportunity when something happens or is expected to happen.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

～折には is used to express:

• "On the occasion of..."
• "When..."
• "At the time when..." It emphasizes a special occasion or a particular opportunity, often with the nuance that such events are not frequent.

Structure

The formation of ～折には depends on the preceding word:

Preceding Word Type	Formation	Example
Verb Dictionary Form	Verb + 折には	行く折には (iku ori ni wa)
Verb Past Tense Form	Verbた + 折には	行った折には (itta ori ni wa)
Noun	Noun + の + 折には	お暇の折には (o-hima no ori ni wa)

Formation Diagram

[Verb (Dictionary Form)] + 折には
[Verbた (Past Form)] + 折には
[Noun] + の + 折には

Usage

• Utilized in formal contexts such as business communications, official letters, or polite conversations.
• Indicates a specific opportunity or occasion when an action occurs.
• Often suggests that the event is special or not frequently occurring.

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3. Comparative Analysis

～折には vs. ～際に (〜さいに) vs. ～時に (〜ときに)

Grammar Point	Formality	Nuance	Example
～折には	Formal	Special occasion, opportunity (less frequent events)	来日した折には (rainichi shita ori ni wa)
～際に	Formal	At the time of (specific point in time/event)	来日した際に (rainichi shita sai ni)
～時に	Neutral	When (general timing)	来日した時に (rainichi shita toki ni)

• ～折には and ～際に are both formal, but 折には emphasizes the specialness or rarity of the occasion.
• ～時に is more common and used in both formal and informal contexts without special emphasis.

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 日本へお越しの折には、ぜひお立ち寄りください。 Nihon e okoshi no ori ni wa, zehi otachiyori kudasai. "When you come to Japan, please be sure to drop by."
2. 次回お会いした折には、新しい企画についてご説明いたします。 Jikai oai shita ori ni wa, atarashii kikaku ni tsuite go-setsumei itashimasu. "When we meet next time, I will explain the new project to you."
3. お近くにお越しの折には、ぜひお立ち寄りくださいませ。 O-chikaku ni okoshi no ori ni wa, zehi otachiyori kudasaimase. "If you are ever in the neighborhood, please feel free to drop by."
4. 京都を訪れた折には、古い友人に再会した。 Kyōto o otozureta ori ni wa, furui yūjin ni saikai shita. "When I visited Kyoto, I reunited with an old friend."
5. ご入院の折には、大変お世話になりました。 Go-nyūin no ori ni wa, taihen osewa ni narimashita. "Thank you very much for your help when I was hospitalized."

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Politeness and Formality: Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on politeness levels. Using expressions like ～折には shows respect and formality, appropriate in business or when speaking to superiors.
• Business Etiquette: Commonly used in formal letters, emails, and official communications to clients or partners.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 折(おり)を見(み)て Ori o mite "Looking for the right opportunity/time"
• 折(おり)に触(ふ)れて Ori ni furete "On occasion; whenever there is a chance"

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using ～折には in Casual Conversation
   • Mistake: 明日映画を見る折には、一緒に行こう。
     • Ashita eiga o miru ori ni wa, issho ni ikō.
   • Correction: 明日映画を見る時に、一緒に行こう。
     • Ashita eiga o miru toki ni, issho ni ikō.
   • Explanation: ～折には is too formal for casual contexts. Use ～時に instead.
2. Confusing ～折には with ～時に
   • Mistake: 日本に行った時には、お土産を買いました。
     • Nihon ni itta toki ni wa, omiyage o kaimashita.
   • Correction: 日本に行った折には、お土産を買いました。
     • Nihon ni itta ori ni wa, omiyage o kaimashita.
   • Explanation: If emphasizing the special occasion of visiting Japan, ～折には is more appropriate.

Learning Strategies

• Contextual Practice: Create sentences in formal contexts, such as letters or business meetings, to practice using ～折には appropriately.
• Compare with Similar Expressions: Understand the nuances between ～折には, ～際に, and ～時に by comparing example sentences.
• Mnemonic Device: Associate 折 (おり) with "opportunity" to remember its usage in special occasions.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～折には is a formal expression meaning "on the occasion of" or "when".
• Used to emphasize a special or infrequent occasion.
• Appropriate in formal writings, polite conversations, and business contexts.
• Be mindful of the level of formality; avoid using it in casual conversations.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the main usage of ～折には? a) To express a habitual action. b) To indicate a formal, special occasion when something happens. c) To show causation between two events.
2. Which of the following sentences uses ～折には correctly? a) 昨日、友達に会う折には、プレゼントをもらった。 b) 来月の出張の折には、お客様と会議を行います。
3. Why should ～折には be avoided in casual conversation?

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Answers:

1. b) To indicate a formal, special occasion when something happens.
2. b) 来月の出張の折には、お客様と会議を行います。
3. Because ～折には is too formal for casual settings; using it in casual conversation may sound out of place or overly stiff.

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