Japatan
Formation
- N + に際して
- V辞書形 + に際して
- N + に際しての + N
Explanation
Used for a special or important event such as entering a school, signing a contract, or departing: "at the time of / on the occasion of ~." It is formal and common in notices, speeches, and business documents. In writing it often becomes に際し, and before a noun it becomes に際しての. It is not used for small everyday actions like eating or commuting.
Examples
入会に際して、こちらの用紙にお名前とご住所をご記入ください。
When joining, please write your name and address on this form.
海外へ出発するに際して、パスポートの期限を確認した。
Before leaving for abroad, I checked the expiration date of my passport.
工事に際しては、ご迷惑をおかけしますが、ご協力をお願いいたします。
We apologize for the inconvenience during the construction and ask for your cooperation.
卒業に際し、お世話になった先生方にお礼の手紙を書いた。
On graduating, I wrote thank-you letters to the teachers who had helped me.
Notes
It cannot be used for small daily actions (×朝ご飯を食べるに際して). It is close to にあたって, but に際して focuses on the moment itself.
Related grammar
Mini quiz
1新しいシステムの導入（ ）、社員向けの説明会が開かれた。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 3 に際して
"On the occasion of introducing the new system, a briefing for employees was held." にとって shows a viewpoint, に比べて compares, and に反して means "contrary to," so they do not fit.
2会議室を利用する（ ）際して、受付で名前を書いてください。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 2 に
"When using the meeting room, please write your name at the reception." The pattern is always に際して, attached directly to the dictionary form of the verb.
3「に際して」の使い方がいちばん正しい文はどれですか。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 4 留学に際して、両親から励ましの手紙をもらった。
"On the occasion of studying abroad, I received an encouraging letter from my parents." 1 is a small daily action, 2 is a natural event, and 3 wrongly uses the た form.
