GRAMMAR DETAIL

〜際に

N3

when · on the occasion of

Formally indicates the time when a particular action or event takes place.

Examples

2

海外へ出発する際に、保険の内容を確認した。

When leaving for another country, I checked the details of my insurance coverage.

Words used

申込の際に本人確認書類を見せてください。

Please show an identity document when applying.

Study notes

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

Structure: 際に follows a dictionary-form or ta-form verb, or a noun plus の, to formally indicate the occasion of an action or procedure.
Basic usage: 申込の際に本人確認書類を見せてください。 gives an instruction about what to do when applying.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

Timing relative to the reference action
- 出発する際に確認する places checking around departure, while 帰国した際に報告する places reporting on the occasion of having returned. The verb form and context indicate whether the reference action has been completed.
Notices and everyday conversation
- 申込の際に suits procedural instructions, while 申し込むときに can describe the same occasion in more everyday language.