GrammarN12 min read2026-02-17

〜ときたら

Bring up a topic with emphasis, often to express criticism or complaint, using this N1 pattern.

Meaning

This grammar pattern is used to single out a topic with special emphasis. The sentence that follows often expresses negation, criticism, or something negative.

Formation

Part of speechFormation
Nounときたら

Examples

  1. うちの子ときたら、宿題もしないでゲームばっかりするので、困ったものだ。
    When it comes to my kid, all they do is play games without doing homework — it's really a problem.

  2. 川田さんときたら、上司の前ではしっかりしているけど、いなくなるとぐにサボりだす。
    Speaking of Kawada, he acts properly in front of the boss, but as soon as the boss leaves, he starts slacking off right away.

  3. A:あのしつこいセールスマンが最近消停かになったね。 B:あのセールスマンときたら、何度も電話で断っているのに、また電話してきたら、本社にクレームを入れたんだよ。
    A: That persistent salesman has quieted down lately. B: Speaking of that salesman, I kept refusing him on the phone over and over, but he kept calling back, so I filed a complaint with the head office.

  4. 内野部長ときたら、いくら新規開発の提案をしても、全然見てくれない。
    When it comes to Director Uchino, no matter how many new development proposals I submit, he won't look at any of them.

Summary

  • 「〜ときたら」 means "speaking of; when it comes to"
  • Attaches to nouns
  • The following clause usually expresses criticism, complaint, or a negative evaluation

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