GrammarN22 min read2026-02-17

〜に際して/…に際し

Formal expression meaning 'at the time of' or 'when,' used in written and formal contexts.

Meaning

に際して/に際し is a formal grammar pattern expressing 'at the time of' or 'on the occasion of' a specific event or action. It emphasizes the timing or circumstances surrounding an action. This pattern is primarily used in written Japanese, formal announcements, and professional contexts. When modifying a noun directly, use the form に際しての + noun.

Formation

Part of speechFormation
动词辞书形动词辞书形 + に際して/に際し
名词名词 + に際して/に際し

Examples

  1. 新入社員を採用するに際して、面接官は学力だけでなく人柄も重視する。
    When hiring new employees, interviewers emphasize not only academic ability but also character.

  2. 卒業論文の提出に際しては、期限を厳守してください。
    When submitting your thesis, please strictly observe the deadline.

  3. 卒業に際して、校長からお祝いの言葉が卒業生に送られた。
    On the occasion of graduation, the principal's congratulatory remarks were delivered to the graduates.

Summary

  • Formal and written expression for 'at the time of' or 'when' a specific event occurs
  • Can follow both verbs (dictionary form) and nouns, with nouns taking the form に際しての + noun
  • Commonly used in formal statements, announcements, and professional documents rather than casual conversation

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