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)…
Focus on the speaker’s emotion first, then choose English that matches that irritation.
How to form 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:
- うちの父ときたら… – As for my father…
- あの店ときたら… – That shop, I tell you…
- 日本の夏ときたら… – 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
- works like an eye-roll or a sigh in written form
ときたら example sentences
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 ～と言えば. With ときたら, the speaker is not just naming a topic—they are rolling their eyes at it.
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.
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
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?
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
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
Related grammar to review next
- ところを — also sets the stage for a remark (often negative or contrasting), but focuses on interrupting a situation
- とされる — deals with how a topic is regarded, useful after you’ve vented about it
- ともあろうものが — a heavier, formal complaint pattern for when someone respectable does something unbecoming
- となると／となれば — 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.
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FAQ about ときたら
What does ときたら (tokitara) mean in Japanese?
ときたら (tokitara) means “when it comes to; concerning”. It is JLPT N1 grammar. 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.
How do you form ときたら (tokitara)?
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.
What is an example sentence with ときたら (tokitara)?
部長ときたら、いつも文句ばかり言っている。 — Our department head—when it comes to him, he does nothing but complain.