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On the occasion of; at the time of
Definition
The grammar pattern "V-辞書形 / N + に際して・にあたって" is used to express a special occasion or event. It implies a sense of preparation or action taken in relation to the event. The pattern can be used to describe both positive and negative events, but it is often used for ceremonial or one-time events. The nuance of the pattern can be subtle, and it requires careful consideration of the context and the verb or noun used.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V-辞書形 (Dictionary form of the verb) | V-辞書形 + に際して・にあたって | 新店舗のオープンに際して、スタッフ一同、全力を尽くす所存です。 |
| N + に際して・にあたって | N + に際して・にあたって | 手術を受けるに際して、医師から詳しい説明を受けた。 |
| V-連用形 (Conjunctive form of the verb) | V-連用形 + にあたって | 帰国にあたって、お世話になった方々に挨拶回りをしました。 |
Examples
新店舗のオープンに際して、スタッフ一同、全力を尽くす所存です。
Shin tenpou no oopen ni shite, sutafo hitotsu, zenryoku o tsukususho arimasu desu.
On the occasion of the new store's opening, all the staff will put in their best effort.
新店舗のオープン (new store's opening) + に際して (on the occasion of) + スタッフ一同 (all the staff) + 全力を尽くす (put in their best effort)
手術を受けるに際して、医師から詳しい説明を受けた。
Shujutsu o ukeru ni shite, ishi kara kakushii setsumei o uketa.
On the occasion of receiving surgery, I received a detailed explanation from the doctor.
手術を受ける (receive surgery) + に際して (on the occasion of) + 医師から (from the doctor) + 詳しい説明を受けた (received a detailed explanation)
帰国にあたって、お世話になった方々に挨拶回りをしました。
Kikoku ni atatte, osewa ni natta hōgō ni aisatsu mawari o shimashita.
On my return, I visited the people who helped me.
帰国 (return) + にあたって (on the occasion of) + お世話になった (helped) + 方々 (people) + 挨拶回り (visit)
Context
This pattern is used to express a special occasion or event. It can be used for both positive and negative events, but it is often used for ceremonial or one-time events. The nuance of the pattern can be subtle, and it requires careful consideration of the context and the verb or noun used. In general, this pattern is used in formal writing or speech.
Watch out
While 'ni atatte' can be used for negative events, it is often used for ceremonial or one-time events. For negative events like funerals or accidents, it is more common to use 'ni shite'.
While both patterns use 'ni' and 'shite', they have different meanings. 'Ni atatte' is used to express a special occasion or event, while 'ni shite wa' is used to express a purpose or reason.
The pattern requires a dictionary form or noun before it. Using past tense before the pattern is incorrect.
Strategy
When using this pattern on the JLPT exam, pay close attention to the context and the verb or noun used. Make sure to use the correct form of the verb or noun, and consider the nuance of the pattern. In general, this pattern is used in formal writing or speech, so be careful not to use it in informal contexts.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N2 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-辞書形 / N + に際して・にあたって used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
新店舗のオープンにあたって、スタッフ一同、全力を尽くす所存です。
Pattern used: にあたって
'Ni atatte' is perfectly suited for a positive milestone like a store opening.
手術を受けるに際して、医師から詳しい説明を受けた。
Pattern used: に際して
'Ni saishite' is preferred here as it can be used for serious or unavoidable events like surgery.
帰国に際し、お世話になった方々に挨拶回りをしました。
Pattern used: に際し
'Ni saishi' (the stem form of ni saishite) is used for formal occasions like returning to one's country.
Interactive
新店舗のオープン______、スタッフ一同、全力を尽くす所存です。
Adaptive practice
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