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Using as a turning point
Definition
The grammar pattern "名詞 + を契機に（して） / を契機として" is used to express that a particular event or situation served as a major turning point or decisive trigger for a significant change. This pattern emphasizes the importance of the event and its impact on the subsequent developments. It is often used in formal contexts to describe historical or social changes. For example, a major economic crisis might serve as a turning point for the development of new technologies, or a significant event might lead to a re-evaluation of security measures.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | 名詞 + を契機に（して） / を契機として | 事件を契機に（して）警察の警備体制が見直されることになった。 |
| Noun (in the genitive case) | 名詞の + を契機に（して） / を契機として | オイルショックの契機として、省エネ技術の開発が急速に進んだ。 |
| Verb in the gerund form | 名詞 + を契機として | 事件を契機として、警察の警備体制が見直されることになった。 |
Examples
オイルショックを契機に（して）省エネ技術の開発が急速に進んだ。
Oiru shokku o kiki ni (shite) seikei gijutsu no kaihatsu ga kyūsoku ni shin datta.
The oil shock served as a turning point for the rapid development of energy-saving technologies.
オイルショック (oil shock) - the event that triggered the development, 契機に (as a turning point) - emphasizes the importance of the event, 省エネ技術の開発 (energy-saving technologies development) - the subsequent development
その事件を契機として警察の警備体制が見直されることになった。
Sono jiken o kiki to shite keisatsu no keibi tai seido ga minaoka sareru koto ni natta.
The event served as a turning point for the re-evaluation of police security measures.
その事件 (that event) - the event that triggered the change, 契機として (as a turning point) - emphasizes the importance of the event, 警備体制が見直される (police security measures are re-evaluated) - the subsequent change
1964年の東京オリンピックを契機に（して）日本のインフラ整備が飛躍的に向上した。
1964-nen no Tōkyō Orinpikku o kiki ni (shite) Nihon no infra seibi ga tibyaku-teki ni kōjō shita.
The 1964 Tokyo Olympics served as a turning point for the significant improvement of Japan's infrastructure development.
1964年の東京オリンピック (1964 Tokyo Olympics) - the event that triggered the change, 契機に (as a turning point) - emphasizes the importance of the event, 日本のインフラ整備 (Japan's infrastructure development) - the subsequent development
Context
This pattern is used in formal contexts to describe significant changes or developments. It is often used in historical or social contexts to emphasize the importance of a particular event. It can be used with either the gerund form or the noun form in the genitive case. In formal writing, it is more common to use the gerund form.
Watch out
This pattern emphasizes the importance of a significant event, so it's not suitable for minor daily opportunities.
～をきっかけに is a more general pattern that can be used for any kind of event, while ～を契機に emphasizes the importance of the event.
This pattern is formal and should be used in formal writing or speech.
Strategy
Pay attention to the context and the importance of the event. If the event is significant and has a major impact, use ～を契機に. If the event is minor or general, use ～を機に or ～をきっかけに.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N1 test-style questions. Each sentence shows 名詞 + を契機に（して） / を契機として used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
オイルショックを契機に、省エネ技術の開発が急速に進んだ。
Pattern used: を契機に
～を契機に is suitable for large-scale historical or social turning points like the oil shock.
その事件を契機として、警察の警備体制が見直されることになった。
Pattern used: を契機として
An 'incident' triggering a structural change is a classic use of ～を契機として.
1964年の東京オリンピックを契機に、日本のインフラ整備は飛躍的に向上した。
Pattern used: を契機に
While 'kawakiri' implies the first of a series, 'keiki' better captures the 'turning point' for national improvement.
Interactive
オイルショック______、省エネ技術の開発が急速に進んだ。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.