Processing keyword: Verb た ときに (Verb た ときに)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb た ときに (Verb た ときに)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point Verbた ときに. This construction is used to express actions or events that occurred when or after something happened in the past. Understanding this grammar point will help you describe sequences of events and enhance your storytelling in Japanese.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

Verbた ときに translates to "when I did [Verb]" or "after I did [Verb]". It indicates that the main action occurred at the time of or after the completion of the verb in the past tense.

Structure

The structure for Verbた ときに is as follows:

[Verb (past tense)] + ときに

Formation Diagram

Verb Form	+ ときに	Meaning
食べた (ate)	ときに	When I ate / After I ate
見た (saw)	ときに	When I saw / After I saw
行った (went)	ときに	When I went / After I went

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3. Comparative Analysis

It's important to compare Verbた ときに with Verb辞書形 ときに (Verb Dictionary Form + ときに):

• Verbた ときに: Used when the action in the main clause happens after the verb has been completed.
• Verb辞書形 ときに: Used when the action in the main clause happens before or during the verb action. Example:
• 寝たときに: When I slept (after sleeping)
• 寝るときに: When I go to sleep (before sleeping)

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. 日本に行ったときに、富士山を見ました。
   • Nihon ni itta toki ni, Fujisan o mimashita.
   • Translation: When I went to Japan, I saw Mount Fuji.
2. 友達に会ったときに、この本をもらいました。
   • Tomodachi ni atta toki ni, kono hon o moraimashita.
   • Translation: When I met my friend, I received this book.
3. 映画を見たときに、涙が出ました。
   • Eiga o mita toki ni, namida ga demashita.
   • Translation: When I watched the movie, I shed tears.
4. 先生に質問したときに、答えがわかりました。
   • Sensei ni shitsumon shita toki ni, kotae ga wakarimashita.
   • Translation: When I asked the teacher, I understood the answer.
5. 家を出たときに、雨が降り始めました。
   • Ie o deta toki ni, ame ga furi hajimemashita.
   • Translation: When I left the house, it started to rain.

Context Variations

• Formal Spoken: 会議が終わったときに、ご連絡いたします。

  Kaigi ga owatta toki ni, go-renraku itashimasu.

  • Translation: I will contact you when the meeting has ended.

• Informal Spoken: 財布を忘れたときに、駅に戻った。

  Saifu o wasureta toki ni, eki ni modotta.

  • Translation: When I forgot my wallet, I went back to the station.

• Written: 彼は学生だったときに、この詩を書きました。

  Kare wa gakusei datta toki ni, kono shi o kakimashita.

  • Translation: He wrote this poem when he was a student.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, being precise about timelines and sequences of events is important, especially in formal contexts. Using Verbた ときに helps convey a clear understanding of when things happened, which is essential in both personal and professional communication.

Levels of Politeness

• The verb before ときに can be in polite or plain past tense, depending on the level of formality.
  • Polite Past Tense Verb + ときに: More formal/respectful.
  • Plain Past Tense Verb + ときに: Casual or in written narratives.

Idiomatic Expressions

While Verbた ときに is straightforward, it's often used in idiomatic expressions:

• 忘れ物に気づいたときには、もう遅かった。
  • Wasuremono ni kidzuita toki ni wa, mō osokatta.
  • Translation: By the time I realized I forgot something, it was already too late.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Using the wrong verb tense before ときに Learners often confuse when to use the past tense vs. the dictionary form before ときに.
  • Incorrect: 行くときに、写真を撮りました。 (Intending to say after going)
  • Correct: 行ったときに、写真を撮りました。

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of た in Verbた as "task completed". So, Verbた ときに refers to after the task is completed.
• Practice Pairing: Create sentences by pairing daily activities with Verbた ときに.
  • 朝ご飯を食べたときに、ニュースを見ます。
    • When I eat breakfast, I watch the news.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Verbた ときに is used to express "when" or "after" an action has been completed.
• The action in the main clause occurs after the verb in Verbた ときに.
• Be mindful of the verb tense before ときに, as it changes the timing relationship.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you express "When I read the book, I learned a lot" using Verbた ときに?
   • Answer: 本を読んだときに、たくさん学びました。
2. Which is correct for "When I will go home, I'll call you": a) 家に帰ったときに、電話します。 b) 家に帰るときに、電話します。
   • Answer: b) 家に帰るときに、電話します。
3. True or False: Verbた ときに indicates that the main action happens before the verb action.
   • Answer: False.

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By understanding and practicing Verbた ときに, you'll be able to accurately describe sequences of past events and enhance your communication in Japanese.

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