JLPT N2 grammar

〜際／際に／際はmeaning and usage

Meaning

At the time of A

How to form it

  • verb (dictionary form)/verb (ta-form)際/際に/際は
  • nounの際/際に/際は

How it is used

A formal 'when', common in notices, announcements and at work: 「お帰りの際に」, 「ご利用の際は」. In everyday talk, 「〜時」 is used. Slightly less stiff than 「〜に際して」.

Examples

  1. 会議の休憩の際には、あちらの部屋をお使いください。

    For breaks in the meeting, please use that room over there.

  2. お出かけの際は、傘をお持ちください。

    Please take an umbrella with you when you go out.

  3. 以前この町を訪れた際に、この店で食事をしました。

    When I visited this town before, I ate at this restaurant.