JLPT N1 Grammar
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When it comes to (negative nuance)
Category: Point of View and Standards
The grammar pattern "名詞＋ときたら" is used to express frustration, dissatisfaction, or criticism towards a specific topic, often someone close to the speaker. It is primarily used in spoken language to single out a topic and emphasize its negative aspects. The pattern can be translated to "When it comes to (negative nuance)" or "As for (negative nuance)", but its usage and nuance are unique to Japanese language. When using this pattern, speakers often imply that the topic is particularly disappointing or frustrating, and the tone can be quite strong. It's essential to use this pattern correctly to convey the intended meaning and avoid misunderstandings.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | 名詞＋ときたら | うちの息子ときたら |
| Noun (topic marker) | 名詞＋ときたら | 最近の若手議員ときたら |
| Noun (possessive) | 名詞の＋ときたら | うちの息子のときたら |
うちの息子ときたら、休みの日も部屋にこもってゲームばかりしている。
uchi no musuko tokitara, yasumi no hi mo heya ni komotte gēmu bakari shite iru.
When it comes to my son, he's always playing games in his room even on holidays.
うちの息子 (my son), ときたら (when it comes to), 休みの日も (even on holidays), 部屋にこもって (staying in the room), ゲームばかりしている (playing games all the time)
最近の若手議員ときたら、不祥事ばかりで国民の期待を裏切ってばかりだ。
saikin no wakate gishim tokitara, fushōji bakari de kokumin no kitai o uragiratte bakari da.
When it comes to recent young politicians, they've been involved in scandals and failed to meet the public's expectations.
最近の若手議員 (recent young politicians), ときたら (when it comes to), 不祥事ばかり (scandals all the time), 国民の期待を裏切って (failed to meet the public's expectations)
このパソコンときたら、動作が遅いうえにすぐにフリーズするから使い物にならない。
kono pasokon tokitara, dōsa ga osoi ue ni sugu ni furīzu suru kara tsukai mono ni naranai.
When it comes to this computer, it's so slow and freezes all the time, so it's not useful.
このパソコン (this computer), ときたら (when it comes to), 動作が遅い (slow), うえに (and),すぐにフリーズする (freezes all the time), から (because), 使い物にならない (not useful)
This pattern is primarily used in spoken language to express frustration or criticism towards a specific topic. It's essential to use this pattern correctly to convey the intended meaning and avoid misunderstandings. In formal written reports, it's better to use more neutral language to avoid giving a negative impression. When using this pattern, speakers often imply that the topic is particularly disappointing or frustrating, and the tone can be quite strong.
Using "ときたら" for positive praise can give a negative impression, whereas "～といったら" is used to express admiration or appreciation.
While both patterns are used to single out a topic, "ときたら" has a negative nuance, whereas "～といえば" is more neutral.
In formal written reports, it's better to use more neutral language to avoid giving a negative impression.
When using "ときたら" in the JLPT exam, pay attention to the context and nuance. Make sure to use the correct pattern and avoid giving a negative impression. In multiple-choice questions, choose the answer that best conveys the intended meaning.
うちの息子______、休みの日も部屋にこもってゲームばかりしている。
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.