# に際して: on the occasion of; at the time of

> Learn how to use に際して, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning on the occasion of; at the time of, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N2 · Updated: 2026-05-06 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n2-ni-saishite/

**に際して** means **on the occasion of; at the time of**. It is a **JLPT N2** Japanese grammar pattern used to **refer formally to the time of an event or action**.

This grammar point often appears in advanced reading, formal writing, notices, essays, and careful conversation. If you want to read Japanese with more nuance, **に際して** is a useful pattern to learn because it shows the speaker's logic, stance, or emphasis.

## What does に際して mean?

Use **に際して** when you want to **refer formally to the time of an event or action**.

Natural translations include:
- on the occasion of; at the time of
- depending on context
- in a way that matches the speaker's emphasis

The best translation depends on the sentence. Focus first on what relationship the pattern creates between the ideas.

## How to form に際して

Noun + に際して / Verb dictionary form + に際して

Examples of the pattern:
- 入国に際して
- 契約に際して
- 出発に際して

In JLPT questions, pay close attention to the word immediately before the grammar point. Many wrong answers use a similar meaning but attach to the wrong form.

## When is に際して used?

Use **に際して** in situations like:
- reading formal explanations, announcements, or essays
- making a point more precise than a basic grammar pattern would
- connecting two ideas with a clear nuance

Tone and register:
- usually neutral to formal
- common in JLPT N2 reading passages, news, notices, and business-like writing

## に際して example sentences

- 入国に際して、必要な書類を提出してください。 — Upon entering the country, please submit the required documents.
- 契約に際して、内容を十分に確認した。 — At the time of the contract, I checked the contents carefully.
- 出発に際して、社長から挨拶があった。 — On the occasion of departure, the president gave remarks.
- 利用するに際して、規約をお読みください。 — When using the service, please read the terms.
- 卒業に際して、先生に感謝の手紙を書いた。 — On graduation, I wrote a thank-you letter to my teacher.

After reading each sentence, ask what job **に際して** is doing. Is it limiting, adding, conceding, asserting, or describing a condition? That habit makes the nuance easier to remember than a single English translation.

## Nuance of に際して

The key nuance is **refer formally to the time of an event or action**.

This matters because N2 grammar often overlaps with easier expressions. The advanced pattern usually adds formality, emphasis, restriction, or a stronger logical relationship.

For example:
- In formal writing, **に際して** often sounds more precise than a casual equivalent.
- Compared with **にあたって**, it has a different tone or scope even when the English translation looks similar.

## に際して vs にあたって

Both **に際して** and **にあたって** can express related ideas, but they are different.

**に際して**:
- fits the N2 nuance explained above
- often sounds more specific, formal, or emphatic

**にあたって**:
- is usually broader, simpler, or used in a different register
- may be better in casual conversation depending on the sentence

Quick contrast examples:
- 入国に際して、必要な書類を提出してください。
- Try rewriting the sentence with **にあたって** and notice whether the tone or meaning changes.

## Common mistakes with に際して

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Translating it too literally and missing the function in context
- Confusing it with **にあたって** just because the English translation overlaps
- Using it in casual speech when a simpler pattern would sound more natural

A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **に際して**, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words.

## Is に際して on the JLPT?

Yes. **に際して** is commonly taught as **JLPT N2** grammar.

That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions usually test context, not dictionary translation alone.

## Practice questions for に際して

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one sentence that clearly needs **に際して**.
- Write a second sentence with **にあたって** and compare the nuance.
- Find a notice, article, or dialogue where this kind of meaning would be natural.

## Learning path for に際して

To learn **に際して** efficiently, follow a path that matches this pattern's real function.

1. First review the formation so the base structure feels natural.
2. Then compare **に際して** with **にあたって** and the related lessons below. These recommendations are chosen from similar semantic or structural families.
3. Finally, write your own sentence where the context makes **に際して** necessary.

## Related grammar to review next

- [にあたって](/blog/n2-ni-atatte/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register
- [n3 sai ni](/blog/n3-sai-ni/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register
- [につき](/blog/n2-ni-tsuki/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register

## Learn に際して with Hane

If you want to review **に際して** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
- [JLPT N2 grammar lessons](/blog/n2/)