Processing keyword: ～際に (〜sai ni)
Japanese Grammar Point: ～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
| Verb Form | Structure |
|---|---|
| Verb Dictionary Form | Verb辞書形 + 際に |
| Verb Past Form | Verbた形 + 際に |
| Noun | Noun + の + 際に |
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
- 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.
- 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)
- 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
- 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
- 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。
- Is ～際に suitable for casual conversations? a) Yes b) No Answers:
- b) エレベーターを使う際に、気をつけてください。
- b) No
Additional Practice
Try creating your own sentences using ～際に, considering the formal context in which it's appropriate.