BackGrammar JLPT Level N4 - Lesson 3
Structure of 時(とき):
Verb + とき
［い］Adjective + とき
［な］Adjective + な + とき
Noun + の + とき
Details about 時(とき):
とき, or 時 in kanji, is a noun that is regularly used to signify 'when' something was done. However, unlike some other time expressions, とき is mainly used to express things that happen at regular intervals (habits, hobbies, etc.), or at broad times/individual events (when it rains, when there is a sale at the shop, etc.)
Using とき is quite easy! You just need to attach it to the end of any independent word (verbs, nouns, or adjectives). As with most cases where you will attach a noun to another word in Japanese, we will also be required to use な after な-Adjectives, and の after nouns.
Using とき is quite easy! You just need to attach it to the end of any independent word (verbs, nouns, or adjectives). As with most cases where you will attach a noun to another word in Japanese, we will also be required to use な after な-Adjectives, and の after nouns.
- 狭い駐車場で車のドアを開けたときにドアを壁にぶつけた。When I opened my car door in a small parking lot, I slammed it on the wall. (Individual event)
- 暑い時はエアコンを点けましょう。When it is hot, let's turn on the air conditioner. (Broad time)
- 彼は暇なときに本を読みます。He reads books when he is bored. (Hobby)
- 雨の時は家でゴロゴロしています。When it rains, I laze around in my house. (Habit)
時(とき)
Usage Notes for 時(とき):
As discussed previously, とき is primarily used to discuss broad times. What this means is that it will not be used to discuss very specific events. For example 'the time you tripped over a log and hurt your foot'. Although this type of sentence will not be grammatically incorrect, it will sound quite unnatural.
- 昨日、学校から家に帰ってた時に木の根っこにつまづいて、足を痛めた。Yesterday, when I was going home from school, I tripped on a tree root and hurt my foot. (Too specific, another grammar point will work better)
- 俺が高校生の時に俺が好きな女の子に告白して、「え、無理...」って言われた。When I was in highschool I asked out a girl I liked, and she said 'umm, no way…' (時 is describing the broad event of 'being a highschool student', while て is describing a single event that happened during that time.
Synonyms for 時(とき):
際に
When, At the time of, In case of, On the occasion of
と同時に
At the same time as, The instant, The moment, As well as
の間に
While, During, Between, Period
中
During, While, Throughout, In the process of
最中に
In the middle of
ながら
While ~ing, During, As
ているあいだに
While, During the time that ~
ているところだ
In the process of doing ~ right now/at this moment
うちに
While, During
ことがある
Something is possible, Sometimes, Occasionally, There are times when
ごろ
Around, About
折には
When, Occasion, Opportunity, Time
Example of 時(とき)
散歩をするときに音楽を聴く。
I listen to music when I take a walk.
私はカラオケに行くときに楽しめます。
When I go to karaoke, I can have fun.
授業のときは静かにしなくてはいけない。
When you are having class, you have to be quiet.
あの映画を見たとき、泣いた。
When I watched that movie, I cried.
大変なときに彼の親は亡くなった。
His parents died when he was going through a difficult time.
Grammar same lesson
JLPT Practice
Review after tedious theory lessons.
JLPT Mock Test
Let’s see how far you’ve honed your knowledge!
