# ときている: because of ~ > Learn how to use ときている, a JLPT N1 Japanese grammar point meaning because of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N1 · Updated: 2026-05-18 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n1-to-kiteiru/ **ときている** means **because of ~**. It is a **JLPT N1** Japanese grammar pattern used to express that a certain situation or condition naturally leads to a result, often with a tone of complaint, inevitability, or resignation. This grammar point often appears in critical remarks, complaints, commentary, and JLPT N1 reading passages. If you want to express that a result follows naturally from an established, often negative situation, **ときている** is a useful pattern to learn because it adds a layer of judgement and logical flow to your Japanese. ## What does ときている mean? Use **ときている** when you want to express that a result is the direct, often unavoidable consequence of a specific situation. The nuance is: “given that X is the case, it’s only natural that Y happens (and that’s a problem).” Natural translations include: - because of ~; since ~; with ~ being the case; and so naturally The best translation depends on the sentence. Try to notice the writer’s or speaker’s attitude first — is it a plain statement of cause and effect, or is there a hint of frustration or resignation? That will tell you how to interpret ときている. ## How to form ときている
Verb/い‑adj (plain form) + ときている
な‑adj + な or である + ときている
Noun + である + ときている
Examples of the pattern: - 雨(あめ)が降る(ふる) + ときている - 静か(しずか)である + ときている - 日曜日(にちようひ)である + ときている The form before the grammar point must be a plain assertion. In JLPT questions, wrong choices often use a similar meaning but attach it to the wrong verb form or particle. ## When is ときている used? Use **ときている** in situations like: - the speaker sees a situation as a given fact and draws a natural, often negative conclusion - expressing frustration, complaint, or resigned acceptance - informal, conversational tones — common in daily complaints and critical observations Tone and register: - casual to semi-formal; the embedded 来(き)ている is a live verb, giving it a “right now” feel. - Common in test questions, opinion pieces, editorials, and JLPT N1 reading ## ときている example sentences
雨あめが降ふるときているから、外出がいしゅつできない。
Since it’s raining, I can’t go out. (complaint implied)
cause → result
彼かれは怠なまけ者ものであるときているから、仕事しごとが進すすまない。
With him being such a lazy person, the work won’t progress (and that’s obvious).
personality → outcome
もう夜十時よるじゅうじときているのに、まだ会議かいぎが続つづいている。
Since it’s already 10 p.m., the meeting is still going on — can you believe it?
time → complaint
彼女かのじょは有能ゆうのうであるときているのに、上司じょうしがそれを認みとめない。
Given that she is competent, her boss doesn’t acknowledge it — that’s frustrating.
fact + frustration
週末しゅうまつときているのに、客きゃくが一人ひとりも来こない。
Even though it’s the weekend, not a single customer has come — naturally disappointing.
expectation vs reality
値段ねだんが高たかいときているから、売うれ残のこるのも当然とうぜんだ。
Because the price is high, it’s only natural that it doesn’t sell well.
cause → inevitable
## Nuance of ときている The key nuance is **an established situation that inevitably leads to a result, often with a tone of reproach or resignation**. The grammar paints the cause as something already in motion — 来(き)ている (it has come to be) — so you are not just stating a reason, you are presenting a premise that “you already know”. This matters because simpler patterns like から or ので just list a cause. ときている packs the speaker’s assessment: “This situation exists, and because of that, here’s what is happening (and it’s not good).”
💡
Don’t use ときている when the cause is a one‑time action you choose. It’s for conditions that are ongoing or characteristic, such as weather, personality, time of day, or a general state.
## ときている vs とあって Both **ときている** and **とあって** can express a reason, but they carry different weights.
ときている
because of (ongoing/known situation, often negative)
The cause feels like an established fact that should make the result obvious; the speaker often implies “and that’s why things are bad.”
とあって
because it is ~ (neutral, objective cause)
States a reason without judgement; frequently used in news, reports, or formal writing.
Quick contrast examples: - 雨(あめ)が降る(ふる)ときているから、中止(ちゅうし)だ。（frustrated tone） - 雨(あめ)が降る(ふる)とあって、中止(ちゅうし)になった。（neutral fact） If both seem possible, ask whether the speaker sounds annoyed or resigned. If the sentence is emotionally flat, とあって is safer. If there’s a “of course!” or “what else would you expect?” feeling, ときている fits. ## Common mistakes with ときている
❌
天気(てんき)がいいときているので、散歩(さんぽ)しよう。
✅
天気(てんき)がいいときているから、散歩(さんぽ)するのは当然(とうぜん)だ。
Don't use ときている with a mild or happy plan; it colours the result with inevitability or complaint. The second sentence adds the “it’s only natural” frame.
❌
彼(かれ)は学生(がくせい)ときているから、試験(しけん)がある。
✅
彼(かれ)は学生(がくせい)であるときているから、試験(しけん)があるのは当たり前(あたりまえ)だ。
Nouns need である before ときている; plain 学生(がくせい)と来(き)ている is ungrammatical. And without the judgement (当たり前(あたりまえ)), the sentence sounds incomplete.
❌
忙しい(いそがしい)ときているが、手伝っ(てつだっ)てくれないか？
✅
もう忙しい(いそがしい)ときているから、手伝え(てつだえ)ないよ。
Because ときている emphasises a given situation, using it to make a request sounds contradictory. Use it to explain why you can’t do something, not to ask for help.
## Is ときている on the JLPT?
N1

Yes. ときている is typical JLPT N1 grammar, appearing in reading comprehension and grammar‑choice questions.

🔍 reading comprehension 🎯 nuance questions 📝 grammar recognition
That means for N1 you need to: - recognise it in a passage and understand the speaker’s attitude - differentiate it from similar patterns like とあって or だけに - produce it in context if writing an opinion or complaint ## Practice questions for ときている
1
Use ときている to complain about a situation at work or school. What is the problem, and what natural (negative) result follows?
2
Write two sentences: one with ときている and one with とあって, both using the same cause. How does the tone change?
3
Finish this: 「彼(かれ)は無口(むくち)であるときているから、…」, keeping the judgement clear.
## Learning path for ときている
1
Memorise the formation: plain form + ときている, and remember nouns/な‑adj require である. Write three correct patterns without looking.
2
Read sentences containing ときている and underline the cause and the result. Decide if the speaker is neutral, annoyed, or resigned.
3
Compare with とあって. Write short dialogue where one character uses ときている and another uses とあって — notice the difference in warmth.
4
Create five original complaint sentences using ときている about real‑life frustrations. Check if replacing it with だけに or からこそ changes the implication.
## Related grammar to review next - [とあって](/blog/n1-to-atte/) — because it also expresses a reason or cause, but in a neutral, objective tone - [とあれば](/blog/n1-to-areba/) — because it also marks a conditional “if it is the case that”, often used for special exceptions - [と相(あい)まって](/blog/n1-to-aimatte/) — because it also shows how two factors interact, producing a combined effect - [とばかりに](/blog/n1-to-bakari-ni/) — because it also conveys “as if to say”, highlighting a situation that prompts an action ## Learn ときている with Hane If you want to reinforce **ときている** together with the patterns above, Hane helps you practise Japanese in short, focused sessions — with immediate feedback on nuance and tone. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N1 grammar lessons](/blog/n1/)