「〜にあたって/にあたり」- On the Occasion of
Explanation
Grammar Point: 〜にあたって/にあたり
Pronunciation: ni atatte / ni atari
Meaning: Indicates the occasion or situation in which an action is taken.
Connection: Dictionary form of verbs + にあたって/にあたり
In Japanese, 〜にあたって and 〜にあたり are used to express performing an action at an important moment or occasion. These expressions are often used in formal settings or written language to emphasize the importance or necessity of an action in a specific situation.
Grammar Pattern
| Grammar Point | Connection | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary form of verbs + にあたって/にあたり | Dictionary form of verbs | Used to indicate performing an action at an important moment or occasion, emphasizing the importance of the action. |
| Noun + にあたって/にあたり | Noun | Used to indicate performing an action at an important moment or occasion, emphasizing the importance of the action. |
Basic Usage
Connection
- Dictionary form of verbs + にあたって/にあたり
- Noun + にあたって/にあたり
Meaning
- On the occasion of...
- At the time of...
Usage Context
Typically used to indicate performing an action at an important moment, stage, or event. For example, when starting a new job, project, or life stage, these expressions are used to emphasize the importance of the action.
Examples
先輩 は面接 にあたっての注意 を教 えてくれた。- Senpai wa mensetsu ni atatte no chuui o oshiete kureta.
- My senior taught me what to pay attention to during the interview.
新 しいプロジェクト を始 めるにあたり、全員 が集 まって会議 を開 いた。- Atarashii purojekuto o hajimeru ni atari, zen'in ga atsumatte kaigi o hiraita.
- On the occasion of starting a new project, all members gathered and held a meeting.
Deep Dive
Usage Details
〜にあたって and 〜にあたり are interchangeable with no significant difference in usage. Both are used to emphasize performing an action at an important moment or occasion. Here are some common usage scenarios:
- Starting a new phase: Used when starting a new life, job, or project.
- Example:
大学 に入学 するにあたって、新 しい友達 を作 ることが大切 だ。- Daigaku ni nyuugaku suru ni atatte, atarashii tomodachi o tsukuru koto ga taisetsu da.
- On the occasion of entering university, it is important to make new friends.
- Example:
- Specific events: Used when performing an action at a specific event or activity.
- Example:
結婚 にあたり、両親 に感謝 の言葉 を述 べた。- Kekkon ni atari, ryoushin ni kansha no kotoba o nobeta.
- On the occasion of marriage, I expressed my gratitude to my parents.
- Example:
Example Analysis
会社 を設立 するにあたって、必要 な手続 きをすべて 済 ませた。- Kaisha o setsuritsu suru ni atatte, hitsuyou na tetsuzuki o subete sumaseta.
- On the occasion of establishing the company, all necessary procedures were completed.
彼 は新 しい仕事 を始 めるにあたり、十分 な準備 をした。- Kare wa atarashii shigoto o hajimeru ni atari, juubun na junbi o shita.
- On the occasion of starting a new job, he made thorough preparations.
Comparison and Differences
「〜にあたって/にあたり」 vs. 「〜に際して」
- Similarity: Both can indicate performing an action at an important moment.
- Difference: 〜に際して is more commonly used in formal written contexts, while 〜にあたって/にあたり is more versatile and widely used.
| Expression | Usage | Example | English Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 〜にあたって/にあたり | Formal and spoken contexts | On the occasion of implementing the new regulations, an explanatory meeting was held for the employees. | |
| 〜に際して | Formal written contexts | On the occasion of implementing the new regulations, an explanatory meeting was held for the employees. |
Common Mistakes
- Often confusing 〜にあたって with 〜に際して, when in fact they differ in usage and tone.
- Thinking that 〜にあたって can only be used in written language, when it is also applicable in spoken language.
Real-Life Scenarios
- Graduation Ceremony: At a graduation ceremony, the principal might use 〜にあたって to emphasize the students entering a new phase of life.
- Project Launch: At a project launch meeting, the leader might use 〜にあたり to remind the team of the importance and responsibility.
Summary
〜にあたって and 〜にあたり are commonly used expressions in Japanese to emphasize performing an action at an important moment or occasion. These expressions are particularly common in formal settings and can highlight the necessity and importance of an action. By understanding and mastering these expressions, you can effectively enhance your formal Japanese communication skills.