に際して

On the Occasion of

Level 3Sounds Like nisaishite

に際して is a formal grammar pattern used to mark a specific, significant event or turning point. It is equivalent to 'on the occasion of' or 'upon' in English.

How It Works

に際して is a formal expression used primarily in writing, speeches, or professional settings. It highlights a specific juncture in time that is considered important or non-routine.

1. Usage Context:
It is typically reserved for significant events such as weddings, graduations, starting a business, or official legal procedures. Using it for daily activities sounds unnatural. Crucially, the following clause usually describes a purposeful action, preparation, or requirement (e.g., giving a greeting, checking documents). It is not used for natural occurrences like weather or spontaneous feelings.

2. Grammatical Structure:

  • Noun + に際して: Used with nouns that imply an action or event (e.g., 結婚（けっこん）に際して - On the occasion of marriage).
  • Verb (Dictionary Form) + に際して: Used with verbs representing the event (e.g., 帰国（きこく）するに際して - Upon returning to one's country).
  • Noun Modification: To modify a noun, use に際しての (e.g., 留学（りゅうがく）に際しての注意点（ちゅういてん） - Points to note upon studying abroad).

3. Variations:

  • に際し: A more literary and stiff version often found in formal documents.
  • に際しまして: The polite version used in formal speeches or business greetings.

Examples (4)

  1. 新しい事業を始めるに際して、入念な市場調査を行った。

    On the occasion of starting a new business, we conducted a thorough market search.

    Word by Word: New business (object) start occasion-at, thorough market research (object) conducted.

    Here, 'starting a business' is the significant event. The action (market research) was done specifically because of this new beginning.

  2. お二人の門出に際して、一言お祝いの言葉を述べさせていただきます。

    On the occasion of this couple's new beginning, I would like to say a few words of celebration.

    Word by Word: Two people's departure occasion-at, one word celebration words (object) state-allow-receive.

    This is a classic example of the pattern used in a formal wedding speech. '門出' (departure/new start) is the significant event.

  3. 日本への入国に際しては、パスポートの提示が求められます。

    Upon entry into Japan, you are required to present your passport.

    Word by Word: Japan to entry occasion-at-as-for, passport's presentation (subject) is required.

    This demonstrates the pattern used for official procedures. Entering a country is a formal 'occasion' where specific rules apply.

  4. マンションの購入に際しての注意点を説明します。

    I will explain the points to note upon purchasing an apartment.

    Word by Word: Apartment's purchase occasion-at-of points (object) explain.

    This uses the 'に際しての' form to modify the noun '注意点' (points to note/precautions).

Common Mistakes

  • Using the pattern for trivial daily routines.

    歯を磨くに際して、歯磨き粉をつけました。
    歯を磨くとき、歯磨き粉をつけました。

    に際して is too formal for everyday actions like brushing teeth. Use とき for general 'when' situations.

  • Using the past tense before the pattern.

    卒業したに際して、先生に挨拶した。
    卒業に際して、先生に挨拶した。

    The verb before に際して must be in the dictionary form, or you should use a noun. You cannot use the た form (past tense) directly before it.

How It Connects

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

に際してLevel 3On the Occasion of

Learn This First

に際して is a formal grammar point used to mark a significant, one-time event or a turning point. It is structurally and semantically related to the more common '〜際に', but it carries a much more formal tone often found in public announcements or business settings. Learners should be comfortable with formal Japanese contexts and basic noun/verb connections before using this pattern.

Words in This Pattern

際する