GRAMMAR DETAIL
にあって
Sets an unusual period or environment as the context and describes a needed attitude or a phenomenon within it.
Examples
災害時にあって、冷静な情報共有が欠かせない。
During a disaster, calm sharing of information is essential.
Words used
混乱の中にあって、冷静な判断が求められた。
Amid the confusion, clearheaded judgment was required.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Attach
にあってto a noun naming a period, environment, or situation to formally describe a phenomenon or needed attitude within it. - Basic usage:
混乱の中にあって、冷静な判断が求められた。means that clearheaded judgment was required amid the confusion.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Emphasis compared with において
災害時においてcan also set a disaster as the context.災害時にあってis a written-style expression that more strongly foregrounds being in those circumstances.