際（に） (ni)

Meaning & usage

際(に) means at the time of or on the occasion of, used to mark a specific moment or opportunity when something happens. It follows nouns with の, as in 面接の際に, and verbs in dictionary form for future events or た form for past events, as in 申し込む際に or 引っ越した際に. It is formal and common in announcements, instructions, and business writing, and に is often optional without much change in meaning.

Example sentences 5

1. 海外かいがいへ旅行りょこうする際さいには、通常つうじょう、パスポートが必要ひつようである。

   When you travel abroad, you usually need a passport.

2. 申し込む際に身分証が必要です。

   You need ID when you apply.

3. 面接の際に緊張してしまった。

   I got nervous during the interview.

4. 帰国の際に家族にお土産を買う。

   I buy souvenirs for my family when I return to Japan.

5. 予約する際に人数を伝えてください。

   Please tell us the number of people when you make a reservation.