Processing keyword: ～際に (〜sai ni)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～際に (〜sai ni)

Grammar Explanation: ～際に (〜sai ni)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～際に (〜sai ni) is used in Japanese to indicate "at the time of" or "when" something occurs. It is often used in formal contexts and is useful for expressing relationships between events or actions.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The expression ～際に is used to denote a specific moment when an action takes place or to indicate the condition under which something occurs.
• Structure:
  • Typically used with nouns or verb stems (the masu form), but it is more prevalent with nouns.

Formation Diagram

1. For Nouns:
   • Noun + 際に (sai ni)
   • e.g., 旅行の際に (ryokō no sai ni) = “at the time of the trip”
2. For Verb Stems:
   • Verb (dictionary form) + 際に
   • e.g., 行く際に (iku sai ni) = “when going”

3. Comparative Analysis

• Similar Grammar Points:
  • ～とき (toki): Also means "when" but is used more commonly in everyday conversation.
  • ～場合 (baai): Translates to "in case" or "in the event" and indicates conditions or situations. Differences:
• Politeness/Usage: ～際に is more formal than ～とき, making it more suitable for written documents or formal speeches.
• Context: While ～とき can be used in both spoken and written language, ～際に is typically reserved for written contexts, such as academic papers or professional communication.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • 申請の際に、必要な書類を提出してください。
     (Shinsei no sai ni, hitsuyō na shorui o teishutsu shite kudasai.)
     "When applying, please submit the necessary documents."
2. Informal:
   • 旅行の際にカメラを忘れないでね。
     (Ryokō no sai ni kamera o wasurenai de ne.)
     "Don’t forget your camera when you travel."
3. Written:
   • その商品を購入する際に、保証書を保管してください。
     (Sono shōhin o kōnyū suru sai ni, hoshōsho o hokan shite kudasai.)
     "Please keep the warranty when you purchase the product."
4. Spoken:
   • 友達に会う際に、プレゼントを持っていくつもりです。
     (Tomodachi ni au sai ni, purezento o motte iku tsumori desu.)
     "I plan to bring a gift when I meet my friend."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Using ～際に often reflects respect and formality, which are important aspects of Japanese communication. It's common in business and formal discussions where clarity and politeness are valued.

Idiomatic Expressions

• There aren’t specific idioms using ～際に, but it appears in formal notices or instructions, emphasizing the importance of timeliness or conditions.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Common Error: Confusing ～際に with ～とき
  • Incorrect: 旅行ときにカメラを忘れないでね。(Ryokō toki ni kamera o wasurenai de ne.)
  • Correct: 旅行の際にカメラを忘れないでね。

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "sai" as a "formal stamp" that marks the importance of the timing in situations.
• Tip: Remember that if you need a polite/formal expression for "when," opt for ～際に.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• The expression ～際に indicates "at the time of" or "when" in a formal manner.
• It can be used with nouns or verb stems but is primarily found in written or formal contexts.
• It is more formal than other similar expressions like ～とき.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ～際に mean?
2. Which is more formal: ～際に or ～とき?
3. Give an example of a sentence using ～際に.

This detailed explanation should give you a solid understanding of how to use the grammar point ～際に correctly in various contexts!