Japanese grammar · ≈ JLPT N3 · Intermediate 2
〜際に・〜際は~sai ni / ~sai wa
on the occasion of
Use 〜際に or 〜際は in formal notices to mark when an action occurs or to introduce precautions for that situation.
How it works
Look at the picture: when should you watch your step? 「際」 marks the time or occasion when an action takes place.
「際」 has a formal tone. It is common in notices, instructions, and reminders, and is more formal than 「とき」.
Attach 「際」 directly to the dictionary form of a verb. 「外へ出る際」 means “when going outside.”
「際」 can also follow a verb’s た form. 「出た際」 presents leaving as a completed action.
After a noun, add 「の」 before 「際」. 「避難の際」 means “during an evacuation.”
「際は」 introduces precautions for that situation. 「際に」 marks when to do something.
Do not use the ます form before 「際」. Although the expression is formal, the verb takes the dictionary form or た form.
Example sentences
- 建物tatemonoをo出るderu際saiは、wa、エレベーターerebeetaaをo使わないtsukawanaiでdeください。kudasai。
Do not use the elevator when leaving the building.
In a conversation
Check yourself
Level 1 · Recognise
Which sentence is correct?
Level 1 · Recognise
Listen and choose the meaning
Level 2 · Build
Put the words in order
When checking the evacuation guidance posted in the building, please make sure to carefully confirm the location of the emergency exit.
Level 3 · Use
What goes in the blank?
建物を出る____は、エレベーターを使わないでください。
When leaving the building, please do not use the elevator.
More grammar in this theme
- 〜際に・〜際はon the occasion of