Japanese grammar · ≈ JLPT N2 · Intermediate 2
〜のことになると・〜のこととなると~ no koto ni naru to / ~ no koto to naru to
when it comes to
Use 「〜のことになると」 when a particular topic brings out someone’s unusual reaction.
How it works

Why has the same person’s expression changed? As soon as money comes up, he reacts differently from usual.

Put the specific topic first: noun + のことになると. Then describe the unusual reaction.

のこととなると also means that when a certain matter comes up, someone reacts differently from usual.

In the pronunciation example, he loses confidence when pronunciation comes up. The change can be negative, too.

In the money example, 「目の色が変わる」 means a change in expression or attitude, not a literal change in eye color.
Example sentences
- 日本nihon語goのno発音hatsuonのnoことkotoとtoなるnaruと、to、彼kareはwa少し
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 it comes to his own position, he suddenly becomes serious and starts thinking.
Level 3 · Use
What goes in the blank?
日本語の発音の____、彼は少し自信がなくなるようです。
When it comes to Japanese pronunciation, he seems to lose a bit of confidence.
More grammar in this theme
- 〜のことになると・〜のこととなるとwhen it comes to