# ときたら: when it comes to; concerning ~ > Learn how to use ときたら, a JLPT N1 grammar point meaning when it comes to; concerning, with structure, nuance, examples, and comparisons. JLPT level: N1 · Updated: 2026-05-18 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n1-tokitara/ **ときたら** means **when it comes to; concerning ~**. It is a **JLPT N1** Japanese grammar pattern used to introduce a topic—often a person or thing—and immediately express strong criticism, complaint, or exasperation about it. This grammar point appears frequently in daily conversation, rants, and N1 reading passages. If you want to single out a topic and pile on a complaint or pointed observation, **ときたら** gives your Japanese an edge of natural, frustrated flair. ## What does ときたら mean? Use **ときたら** when you want to isolate a topic (usually a noun) and say something negative, critical, or dismissive about it. The speaker is often annoyed, disappointed, or sarcastic. Natural translations include: - when it comes to; as for; speaking of (with a negative spin) - that (person/thing)… (always/never)… The best translation depends on the sentence. Focus on the speaker’s emotion first, then choose English that matches that irritation. ## How to form ときたら
Noun + ときたら
No tense, no formal/informal inflection. It attaches directly to a noun. The phrase before ときたら is the topic you’re about to complain about. Examples of the pattern: - うちの父(ちち)ときたら… – As for my father… - あの店(みせ)ときたら… – That shop, I tell you… - 日本(にっぽん)の夏(なつ)ときたら… – When it comes to Japanese summer… ## When is ときたら used? Use **ときたら** in situations like: - complaining about a person’s habits or character - pointing out a disappointing or irritating trait of something - highlighting a topic you feel strongly (and negatively) about Tone and register: - casual to informal; mostly spoken - often paired with negative predicates: ～ばかり, ～ない, ～困る(こまる) - works like an eye-roll or a sigh in written form ## ときたら example sentences
部長ぶちょうときたら、いつも文句もんくばかり言いっている。
Our department head—when it comes to him, he does nothing but complain.
complaint about a person
彼氏かれしときたら、約束やくそくの時間じかんをいつも忘わすれる。
My boyfriend—speaking of him, he always forgets our scheduled times.
annoyed about habits
日本語にほんごの敬語けいごときたら、本当ほんとうにややこしい。
When it comes to Japanese keigo, it is truly a headache.
frustration with a thing
うちの猫ねこときたら、食たべるか寝ねるかしかしない。
Our cat—all it does is eat or sleep.
exasperated remark
新あたらしいアプリときたら、起動きどうするのに５分ごふんかかる。
This new app—it takes five minutes just to launch.
criticism of technology
彼かれの発言はつげんときたら、信用しんようできない。
As for his remarks, they’re just not trustworthy.
dismissive tone
After reading each example, notice the pattern: ときたら flags the topic, then the rest of the sentence delivers a complaint, criticism, or negative observation. That’s the grammar’s core job. ## Nuance of ときたら The key nuance is **a complaint or exasperation directed at a specific topic**. It’s not neutral; it immediately sets up a negative frame. Even when the following statement is factual, the use of ときたら colors it as a grievance. This matters because learners often confuse it with other topic-introducing patterns like ～は or ～と言え(いえ)ば. With ときたら, the speaker is not just naming a topic—they are rolling their eyes at it.
💡
If you replace ときたら with a plain は, the tone becomes neutral. ときたら signals “brace yourself for a rant or complaint.”
## ときたら vs となると Both **ときたら** and **となると** can introduce a topic, but their tone and function diverge sharply.
ときたら
complaint marker
Used to vent about a specific noun. The follow-up is typically negative.
部長(ぶちょう)ときたら、いつも怒っ(おこっ)てばかりだ。
When it comes to the boss, he’s always angry.
vs
となると
conditional topic
Used when considering a hypothetical or actual situation. Often neutral or analytical.
部長(ぶちょう)となると、会議(かいぎ)が長く(ながく)なる。
When it comes to the boss, meetings get long (factual).
If you want to sound exasperated, pick ときたら. If you’re just stating a general truth or condition, となると fits better. ## Common mistakes with ときたら
❌
あの映画えいがときたら楽たのしかったです。
✅
あの映画(えいが)ときたら、最悪さいあくだった。
ときたら nearly always leads to a negative comment. A positive predicate sounds unnatural unless heavily sarcastic.
❌
食たべるものときたら、何なにもない。
✅
冷蔵庫れいぞうこの中なかときたら、何なにもなかった。
Attach ときたら to a concrete noun—not a clause, verb phrase, or abstract concept. Think of it as pointing a finger at something.
A good drill: take a sentence with は and flip it into a complaint with ときたら. Check whether the tone shifts from neutral to annoyed. ## Is ときたら on the JLPT?
N1
🔴 Grammar recognition 🟡 Understanding nuance in context 🟢 Producing a simple complaint
Yes. **ときたら** is firmly in the **JLPT N1** set. It appears in reading comprehension (especially dialogues and editorials) where the test asks you to infer the speaker’s attitude. You may also face multiple-choice questions that contrast it with となると or にしたら. For N1 prep, read sentences aloud to feel the frustration. The emotional weight will help you remember its role faster than any translation. ## Practice questions for ときたら
1
Think of a person or thing that annoys you. Write a complaint using ときたら. (e.g., うちの姉(あね)ときたら…)
personal rant
2
Rewrite a neutral sentence about a topic using は, then using ときたら. Note how the tone changes.
nuance check
3
Listen for ときたら in a drama or anime. Jot down the sentence and identify the exact complaint.
real-life ear training
Keep your early answers simple: just one noun and one negative comment. Once that feels automatic, add reasons or consequences to build richer rants. ## Learning path for ときたら
1
Memorize the fixed form: Noun + ときたら. Drill with flashcards of nouns you’d likely complain about.
2
Compare with となると. Practice switching between them to feel the “complaint” versus “condition” difference.
3
Read tweets or forum posts in Japanese. ときたら often appears in rants; highlight it and paraphrase the complaint.
4
Write a short diary entry where you complain about three different things, each starting with ～～ときたら.
5
Finally, test yourself by swapping ときたら with related N1 patterns (see below). If the meaning changes, explain why—this solidifies your intuition.
## Related grammar to review next - [ところを](/blog/n1-tokoro-o/) — also sets the stage for a remark (often negative or contrasting), but focuses on interrupting a situation - [とされる](/blog/n1-to-sareru/) — deals with how a topic is regarded, useful after you’ve vented about it - [ともあろうものが](/blog/n1-tomo-arou-mono-ga/) — a heavier, formal complaint pattern for when someone respectable does something unbecoming - [となると／となれば](/blog/n1-to-naru-to-to-nareba/) — the neutral/conditional topic introducer you learned to contrast with ときたら ## Learn ときたら with Hane If you want to drill ときたら alongside its N1 companions—and turn complaint-filled sentences into muscle memory—Hane helps you practice Japanese grammar in focused, bite-sized sessions. Browse more lessons: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N1 grammar lessons](/blog/n1/)