Processing keyword: ～際に (〜sai ni)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～際に (〜sai ni)

～際に (〜sai ni)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～際に (〜sai ni) is a formal expression in Japanese that translates to "when" or "on the occasion of" in English. It is used to indicate a specific time or occasion when something happens, often in formal writing, speeches, or official documents.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

～際に (〜sai ni) is used to express:

• At the time of...
• When...
• On the occasion of... It emphasizes the time when an action occurs, usually in formal contexts.

Structure

Formation Diagram

Examples of Formation

• Verb Dictionary Form: 行く際に (iku sai ni) - When going
• Verb Past Form: 来た際に (kita sai ni) - When (someone) came
• Noun: 外出の際に (gaishutsu no sai ni) - When going out

3. Comparative Analysis

• ～際に (〜sai ni) vs. ～とき (toki):
  • 際に is more formal and often used in official contexts.
  • とき is used in everyday conversation and is less formal.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

1. 書類を提出する際に、印鑑が必要です。
   • Shorui o teishutsu suru sai ni, inkan ga hitsuyō desu.
   • Translation: An official seal is required when submitting documents.
2. お帰りの際には、こちらのアンケートにご記入ください。
   • O-kaeri no sai ni wa, kochira no ankēto ni go-kinyū kudasai.
   • Translation: Please fill out this questionnaire when you are leaving.

Everyday Context (Less Common)

1. 日本を訪れた際に、彼と出会った。
   • Nihon o otozureta sai ni, kare to deatta.
   • Translation: I met him when I visited Japan.

Written Communication

1. 災害発生の際には、速やかに避難してください。
   • Saigai hassei no sai ni wa, sumiyaka ni hinan shite kudasai.
   • Translation: In the event of a disaster, please evacuate immediately.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Politeness Level: ～際に is considered polite and formal, suitable for business settings, formal speeches, and written instructions.
• Usage: Commonly found in manuals, official notifications, and formal announcements.

Idiomatic Expressions

• ご利用の際に (go-riyō no sai ni) - When using (this service/product)
• お申し込みの際には (o-mōshikomi no sai ni wa) - When applying

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Using ～際に in Casual Conversation: Overusing ～際に in casual speech can sound unnatural. Instead, use ～とき for everyday conversations.
  • Incorrect: 友達に会う際に、話しましょう。
  • Correct: 友達に会うときに、話しましょう。

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "sai" in "sai ni" as "formal sign of time," reminding you of its formal usage to indicate "when."
• Practice: Use ～際に when writing formal emails or reading official documents to get accustomed to its context.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～際に (〜sai ni) means "when" or "on the occasion of" and is used in formal contexts.
• It attaches to the dictionary form or past tense of verbs, and nouns with の.
• More formal than ～とき, which is used in everyday conversation.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "When using the elevator, please be careful"? a) エレベーターを使うとき、気をつけてください。 b) エレベーターを使う際に、気をつけてください。
2. Is ～際に suitable for casual conversations? a) Yes b) No Answers:
3. b) エレベーターを使う際に、気をつけてください。
4. b) No

Additional Practice

Try creating your own sentences using ～際に, considering the formal context in which it's appropriate.