Japanese grammar · no level in the source

〜こととなるとmeaning and usage

Meaning

When it comes to A, B. Describes an untypical reaction B when considering the problem/issue A

How to form it

  • nounのこととなると

How it is used

Says that whenever A comes up, someone acts unlike their usual self (unusually keen, serious or worked up); the second half describes that reaction. Unlike 「〜といえば」, it does more than bring up a topic.

Examples

  1. 彼は野球のこととなると話が止まらなくなる。

    When it comes to baseball, he can't stop talking (about it).

  2. 田中さんは車のこととなると、急に話が長くなる。

    When it comes to cars, Tanaka suddenly talks on and on.

  3. 母はいつも優しいが、料理のこととなると厳しい。

    My mother is always kind, but when it comes to cooking she's strict.