Processing keyword: Verb るときに (〜ru toki ni)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb るときに (〜ru toki ni)

1. Introduction

Welcome to today's lesson on the grammar point Verb るときに (〜るときに). This structure is commonly used in Japanese to indicate "when" an action occurs. Mastering this expression will help you describe events in relation to time more naturally.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

Verb るときに translates to "when (I) do [verb]" or "at the time of doing [verb]". It is used to express that one action occurs at the time of another action.

Structure

The basic structure for using 〜るときに is:

Verb (Dictionary Form) + ときに

Formation Diagram

Component	Explanation
Verb (Dictionary Form)	The base form of the verb (e.g., 食べる, 行く)
ときに	"When"; indicates the time of action

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3. Comparative Analysis

Verb るときに vs. Verb たときに

It's important to distinguish between Verb るときに and Verb たときに.

• Verb るときに (Dictionary Form + ときに): Indicates that the action in the main clause happens before or during the action described by the verb.
  • Example: 図書館へ行くときに、本屋に寄りました。
    • "I stopped by the bookstore when I was going to the library."
• Verb たときに (Past Tense Verb + ときに): Indicates that the action in the main clause happens after the action described by the verb.
  • Example: 図書館へ行ったときに、本屋に寄りました。
    • "I stopped by the bookstore when I had gone to the library."

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4. Examples in Context

Let's explore how Verb るときに is used in various sentences.

Example Sentences

1. 家を出るときに、鍵をかけました。 Ie o deru toki ni, kagi o kakemashita.
   • "I locked the door when I left the house."
2. 寝るときに、本を読みます。 Neru toki ni, hon o yomimasu.
   • "I read a book when I go to bed."
3. 食事をするときに、手を洗います。 Shokuji o suru toki ni, te o araimasu.
   • "I wash my hands when I have a meal."
4. 雨が降るときに、傘を持っていきます。 Ame ga furu toki ni, kasa o motte ikimasu.
   • "I take an umbrella when it rains."
5. 友達に会うときに、その話をします。 Tomodachi ni au toki ni, sono hanashi o shimasu.
   • "I'll tell that story when I meet my friend."

Formal and Informal Contexts

• Formal Speech
  • お客様が来るときに、お茶を準備します。 Okyaku-sama ga kuru toki ni, ocha o junbi shimasu.
    • "We prepare tea when guests come."
• Casual Conversation
  • 映画を見るときに、ポップコーンを食べる。 Eiga o miru toki ni, poppukōn o taberu.
    • "I eat popcorn when I watch a movie."

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, attention to timing and proper sequencing of actions is important, especially in social situations. Using 〜るときに correctly reflects an understanding of these nuances.

• Example: It's customary to take off shoes when entering a house.
  • 家に入るときに、靴を脱ぎます。 Ie ni hairu toki ni, kutsu o nugimasu.

Levels of Politeness

Adjusting the verb form or adding honorific language can increase the politeness level.

• 伺うときに、ご連絡いたします。 Ukagau toki ni, go-renraku itashimasu.
  • "I will contact you when I visit." (Very polite)

Idiomatic Expressions

• 時間があるときに、遊びに来てください。 Jikan ga aru toki ni, asobi ni kite kudasai.
  • "Please come over when you have time."

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using the Wrong Verb Form
   • Incorrect: 食べたときに、映画を見ます。 (Tabeta toki ni, eiga o mimasu.)
     • Suggests watching a movie after eating.
   • Correct: 食べるときに、映画を見ます。 (Taberu toki ni, eiga o mimasu.)
     • "I watch a movie when I eat."
2. Confusion with 〜ながら (while)
   • 食べるときに、テレビを見ます。
     • "I watch TV when I eat."
   • 食べながら、テレビを見ます。
     • "I watch TV while eating."
   • Tip: Use 〜ながら when two actions happen simultaneously.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device
  • Remember that ときに is like "at the time of" in English.
• Practice with Common Verbs
  • Create sentences using verbs you use daily (行く, 来る, 食べる).

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Verb (Dictionary Form) + ときに is used to express actions that occur when another action happens.
• Be careful with verb forms; using the dictionary form vs. the past tense changes the meaning.
• 〜るときに implies that the main action happens before or during the action in the ときに clause.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "When I study, I drink coffee" in Japanese?
   • Answer: 勉強するときに、コーヒーを飲みます。 Benkyō suru toki ni, kōhī o nomimasu.
2. Choose the correct sentence:
   • a) 日本に行ったときに、富士山を見ました。
   • b) 日本に行くときに、富士山を見ました.
   • Answer: b) 日本に行くときに、富士山を見ました。 (Nihon ni iku toki ni, Fujisan o mimashita.)
     • "I saw Mount Fuji when I was going to Japan."
3. What's the key difference between 〜るときに and 〜たときに?
   • Answer: 〜るときに refers to actions occurring before or during the time of the verb, while 〜たときに refers to actions occurring after the verb has been completed.

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By understanding and practicing Verb るときに, you'll enhance your ability to describe timing and sequences of events in Japanese naturally. Keep practicing with different verbs to solidify your understanding!

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