〜において（文語）

In/at (Literary)

Level 6Sounds Like nioite (bungo)

〜において is a formal way to say 'in,' 'at,' or 'on.' It is used in writing, news, and formal speeches to mark the setting or domain where something happens.

How It Works

〜において (and its attributive form 〜における) is a formal expression derived from the classical verb 於く（おく - to be at/to stay）. It functions similarly to the particle で but carries a much stiffer, academic, or authoritative tone.

Key Usage Points:

  • Physical Location: Used for large-scale events or formal settings (e.g., 'The ceremony was held at the hall').
  • Time/Period: Used for broad periods, historical eras, or stages of life (e.g., 'In the 20th century'). Note: It cannot be used for specific points in time like clock hours (e.g., 3:00 PM).
  • Abstract Fields: Used to define a domain of expertise or a situation. In these contexts, it often carries the nuance of 'in terms of' or 'regarding' a specific field (e.g., 'In the field of science' or 'In modern society').

Grammatical Forms:

  • 〜において: The adverbial form. It modifies the verb or the entire sentence.
  • 〜における + Noun: The adjectival form. It is used when you want to modify a following noun (e.g., 'The progress in the IT industry').
  • 〜においては / 〜においても: Emphatic versions meaning 'As for [context]...' or 'Even in [context]...'.

Note: This pattern is strictly for formal writing (essays, reports, news) and formal speaking. Using it in casual conversation sounds unnaturally stiff.

Examples (4)

  1. 入学式は講堂において行われます。

    The entrance ceremony will be held in the auditorium.

    Word by Word: Entrance ceremony (topic) auditorium in be held.

    Uses 〜において to mark a physical location for a formal event.

  2. 現代社会において、インターネットは欠かせない存在だ。

    In modern society, the internet is an indispensable presence.

    Word by Word: Modern society in, internet (topic) indispensable existence is.

    Uses 〜において to mark an abstract situation or era.

  3. 教育におけるITの活用が注目されている。

    The utilization of IT in education is drawing attention.

    Word by Word: Education in (attributive) IT's utilization (subject) attention is being done.

    Uses 〜における to modify the noun 'utilization' (活用), showing the field in which the utilization occurs.

  4. わが国においても、少子高齢化が深刻な問題となっている。

    Even in our country, the declining birthrate and aging population are becoming a serious problem.

    Word by Word: Our country even in, declining birthrate aging population (subject) serious problem becoming is.

    Uses 〜においても to add emphasis, meaning 'even in' this specific context.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 〜において for casual, daily activities.

    昨日、カフェにおいて友達とコーヒーを飲みました。
    昨日、カフェで友達とコーヒーを飲みました。

    〜において is too formal for personal daily life. Use the standard particle で instead.

  • Using the adverbial form to modify a noun directly.

    日本においての文化は面白いです。
    日本における文化は面白いです。

    When modifying a noun (Culture in Japan), you must use the attributive form 〜における.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

〜において（文語）Level 6In/at (Literary)

Learn This First

〜において (文語) is a highly formal or literary version of the particle 'に' or 'で', used to indicate location, time, or field. To understand it, learners must first be familiar with the basic location marker 'に' and the standard formal version 'において'. Knowledge of the 'te-form' is also required as it forms the structural basis of this compound particle.

Words in This Pattern