Meaning
~際（に） indicates the timing or circumstances of an action or situation. It's a more formal alternative to ~時 or ~場合, commonly used in official instructions, formal writing, and announcements. It can be used with verb dictionary/past forms or with nouns followed by の.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 动词辞书形 | 动词辞书形 + 際（に） |
| 动词（た形） | 动词た形 + 際（に） |
| 名词 の | 名词 + の + 際（に） |
Examples
-
地震が発生した際には、エレベーターではなく、階段をご利用ください。
When an earthquake occurs, please use the stairs instead of the elevator. -
留学ビザを申し込む際、証明写真とビザ申込書のほか、入学証明書も提出してください。
When applying for a study abroad visa, you must submit an admission certificate in addition to your ID photo and visa application form. -
ご契約の際には身分証をご提示いただく必要がございます。
We require you to show your identification when concluding the contract.
Summary
- Expresses the specific time, occasion, or circumstance of an action in formal contexts
- More formal and rigid than ~時 or ~場合; commonly found in official instructions and announcements
- Can follow verb dictionary form, verb past form, or noun + の to indicate when something happens