Polite “when/whenever” (letters)
greetings & thanks
Open details
Form: V-dict / V-た + 折 に ・ N + の + 折 に
Use when: polite “on the occasion of/when,” often in written messages.
Contrast: casual talk → use 〜とき.
Prior to (formal, planned events)
“before” with preparation
Open details
Form: V-dict + に先 だって ／ N + に先 立ち ／ に先 だつ + N
Use when: formal “before,” especially for official events/operations.
Contrast: everyday “before” → 〜前(まえ).
On the occasion of (formal notice)
instructions & warnings
Open details
Form: V-dict / N + に際 して
Use when: formal “upon/at the time of” for events, use, application, travel, etc.
Contrast: similar to 〜にあたり; 〜に際して fits notices/manuals.
When embarking on / at the start of
greetings, policy, preparation
Open details
Form: V-dict / N + に当 たり｜に当 たって
Use when: formal “at the time of starting/doing,” often with greetings/requests.
Contrast: 〜に際して = notice/instruction; 〜にあたり = policy/remarks.
For the purpose / in doing
criterion/scope, not time
Open details
Form: V-dict + 上 で ／ N + の + 上 で
Use when: “for/in ~ing; when it comes to ~,” showing a purpose/criterion.
Contrast: NOT the temporal “after ~” (V-た + 上で), which is different.
1) 〜折に — polite “on the occasion of / when”
Written/polite style used for greetings, thanks, or invitations.
Form: V-dict / V-た + 折 に ・ N + の + 折 に
Register: polite/written (letters, notices).
この
On this occasion, we would like to express our gratitude for your support.
When you come to Tokyo, please feel free to stop by.
At the time of my assignment, I received many helpful suggestions.
Note: Sounds stiff in casual speech → use 〜とき.
2) 〜に先立って・〜に先立ち — prior to (formal “before”)
Used before planned/official events; implies preparation.
Form: V-dict + に先 だって ／ N + に先 立ち ／ に先 だつ + N
Collocations: 開催 ／開演 ／出航 ／稼働 ／着工
Prior to the ceremony, we will hold a rehearsal.
Before the new building opens, we will hold a preview tour.
A safety check is conducted prior to departure.
Pitfall: Not for trivial daily acts (✖ 朝食 に先立って 歯 をみがく).
3) 〜に際して — on the occasion of (formal notice)
Used in instructions/warnings at the moment of use/apply/start.
Form: V-dict / N + に際 して
Register: very formal (manuals, announcements).
When using the service, ID verification is required.
When filming, please obtain prior permission.
At the opening, there will be a greeting from the representative.
Contrast: For general “when,” prefer 〜とき. For “starting a new undertaking,” see 〜にあたり.
4) 〜にあたり・〜にあたって — at the start / on doing (policy & remarks)
Used for formal remarks, requests, or policies at the beginning of an activity/project.
Form: V-dict / N + に当 たり｜に当 たって
Often with: 開始 ／参加 ／受賞 ／申請 ／募集
At the start of our new project, we express our thanks to everyone involved.
When applying to study abroad, please prepare the required documents.
On receiving this award, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude.
Nuance: Often paired with greetings/thanks/requests addressed to an audience.
5) 〜上で（目的） — for / in doing; as a criterion
Shows purpose/criterion/scope: “for ~,” “when it comes to ~.” (Not time sequence.)
Form: V-dict + 上 で ／ N + の + 上 で
Meaning: “for/in ~ing; as far as ~ is concerned; in terms of ~”.
For choosing a school, cost and safety are important.
To ensure safety, wearing a helmet is essential.
Definitions of terms are helpful for understanding the materials.
Don’t confuse: temporal V-た + 上で = “after doing” (see previous lesson). Here it means “for/in ~ing”.
Quick contrasts & pitfalls
- に先立って = formal “before” for planned events. Daily actions → 前に.
- に際して = formal notice/instruction “upon …”. にあたり = formal remarks/policy “at the start of …”.
- 折に = letter style for thanks/invitations; stiff in casual talk.
- 〜上で（目的） = “for/in ~ing; as a criterion.” Not a time word. Temporal “after” = V-た + 上で.
- Avoid using these formal patterns for trivial/private casual moments; use simpler 〜とき／〜前に instead.
