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At the time of; when
Definition
The grammar pattern 'V-辞書形 / V-た形 / N-の + 際（に）' is used to indicate a specific time or occasion. It is a formal expression used in public notices, manuals, or formal speech. This pattern is often used to specify a particular moment or event, and it can be attached to either verbs or nouns. The usage of this pattern is more formal and polite, making it suitable for official documents and announcements.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary form | V-辞書形 + の + 際（に） | 見る + の + 際（に） |
| Ta form | V-た形 + の + 際（に） | 見た + の + 際（に） |
| Noun | N-の + 際（に） | 会議の + 際（に） |
Examples
館内をご利用の際、こちらのスリッパに履き替えてください。
Takanai o goyomi no saji, kochira no supira ni aruki kaete kudasai.
Please change your shoes at the time of using the facilities.
館内をご利用の際 (at the time of using the facilities) / こちらのスリッパに履き替えてください (please change your shoes)
パスポートを発行の際は、速やかに警察に届け出てください。
Pasupōto o hatsugyō no saji wa, hayaku ni keisatsu ni todokete kudasai.
When issuing a passport, please deliver it to the police as soon as possible.
パスポートを発行の際は (when issuing a passport) / 速やかに警察に届け出てください (please deliver it to the police as soon as possible)
お申し込みの際、印鑑と本人確認書類が必要です。
O moushimono no saji ni, inkan to honjin kaku shorui ga hitsuyō desu.
At the time of application, you will need an seal and a document for identification.
お申し込みの際 (at the time of application) / 印鑑と本人確認書類が必要です (you will need an seal and a document for identification)
Context
This pattern is used in formal situations, such as official documents, announcements, and formal speeches. It is often used to specify a particular time or occasion. The usage of this pattern is more polite and formal than using the pattern 'V-た形 + のとき'.
Watch out
This pattern is too formal to be used for trivial daily actions, such as brushing teeth.
The particle 'ni' is used to specify a time or occasion, while 'wa' is used to specify a topic.
The dictionary form or ta form of the verb should be used with this pattern.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct verb form and particle. Also, pay attention to the context and use it in formal situations.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N2 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-辞書形 / V-た形 / N-の + 際（に） used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
館内をご利用の際、こちらのスリッパに履き替えてください。
Pattern used: 際
'Sai' is appropriate for formal instructions regarding the use of a facility.
パスポートを紛失した際は、速やかに警察に届け出てください。
Pattern used: 紛失した
The past tense 'ta form' is used here to indicate the completed condition of losing the passport.
お申し込みの際、印鑑と本人確認書類が必要です。
Pattern used: 際
'Noun + no + sai' is a standard formal way to say 'at the time of application'.
Interactive
館内をご利用の______、こちらのスリッパに履き替えてください。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.