「〜際（さい）は/際（さい）に」- At the Time of
Explanation
「〜際（さい）は/際（さい）に」 is a Japanese grammatical structure used to indicate the occurrence of something at a specific time or occasion, equivalent to "at the time of" or "on the occasion of" in English. This structure is often used in formal settings or written expressions, emphasizing a particular moment or situation.
Grammar Pattern
| Grammar Point | Connection | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 〜際（さい）は/際（さい）に | Dictionary form of verbs / た-form of verbs / Noun + の | Indicates the occurrence of something at a specific time or occasion, emphasizing the moment or situation. |
Basic Usage
「〜際（さい）は/際（さい）に」 can be connected to the dictionary form or た-form of verbs, as well as nouns. The basic structure is as follows:
- Dictionary form of verb + 際（さい）は/際（さい）に
- た-form of verb + 際（さい）は/際（さい）に
- Noun + の + 際（さい）は/際（さい）に
Examples
外 出 する際 は、必 ず鍵 をかけるようにしてください。- Gaishutsu suru sai wa, kanarazu kagi o kakeru you ni shite kudasai.
- Please make sure to lock the door when you go out.
申 し込 みの際 には、写真 が必要 です。- Moushikomi no sai ni wa, shashin ga hitsuyou desu.
- A photo is required when applying.
この 機会 の際 に、ぜひご参加 ください。- Kono kikai no sai ni, zehi go-sanka kudasai.
- Please take this opportunity to participate.
Deep Dive
「〜際（さい）は/際（さい）に」 is not only used to describe a specific time but can also imply "taking this opportunity." It is often used in formal contexts. Compared to 「時（とき）」, 「際（さい）」 emphasizes a more specific moment or occasion.
Example
この 際 に、ぜひご意見 をお聞 かせください。- Kono sai ni, zehi go-iken o o-kikase kudasai.
- Please take this opportunity to share your opinion.
Comparison and Differences
「〜際（さい）は」 and 「〜時（とき）」 can often be used interchangeably, but 「〜際（さい）は」 is more formal and written, often used for future events or stating facts.
| Grammar Point | Usage Context | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| 〜際（さい）は | Formal settings | More formal |
| 〜時（とき） | Spoken and informal | More general |
Example Comparison
入国 する際 には、パスポート が必要 です。- Nyūkoku suru sai ni wa, pasupōto ga hitsuyō desu.
- A passport is required when entering the country. (Formal)
入国 する時 には、パスポート が必要 です。- Nyūkoku suru toki ni wa, pasupōto ga hitsuyō desu.
- A passport is required when entering the country. (Informal)
Real-Life Scenarios
この 際 、日本 に行き ましょう。- Kono sai, Nihon ni ikimashou.
- Let's take this opportunity to go to Japan!
Notes on Using 「際（さい）」
- When using 「〜際（さい）は/際（さい）に」, the particles 「に」 or 「は」 can follow, with the following distinctions:
- 「に」 emphasizes the time point.
- 「は」 emphasizes the occasion.
Examples
入国 の際 に、パスポート が必要 です。- Nyūkoku no sai ni, pasupōto ga hitsuyō desu.
- A passport is required at the time of entering the country. (Emphasizes the time point)
入国 の際 は、パスポート が必要 です。- Nyūkoku no sai wa, pasupōto ga hitsuyō desu.
- A passport is required on the occasion of entering the country. (Emphasizes the occasion)
Summary
「〜際（さい）は/際（さい）に」 is a practical and formal grammatical structure suitable for various formal settings and written expressions, indicating the occurrence of something at a specific time or occasion. By comparing it with 「〜時（とき）」, you can better understand and use 「〜際（さい）は/際（さい）に」 to make your expressions more precise and formal.