# とき: when; at the time > Learn how to use とき, a JLPT N5 Japanese grammar point meaning when; at the time, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N5 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n5-toki/ **とき** means **when; at the time**. It is a **JLPT N5** Japanese grammar pattern used to talk about the time when something happens or happened. This grammar point appears often in beginner conversations, classroom Japanese, and JLPT-style questions. If you want to talk about the time when something happens or happened, **とき** is a useful pattern to learn because it helps you build natural basic sentences. ## What does とき mean? Use **とき** when you want to talk about the time when something happens or happened. Natural translations include: - when - at the time - when; at the time The exact English translation changes with context. Focus on the role of the grammar point in the sentence first, then choose the English phrase that sounds natural. ## How to form とき
Verb (plain form) + とき
い-adjective + とき
な-adjective + な + とき
Noun + の + とき
Examples of the pattern: - 行いくとき - 子こどものとき - 寒さむいとき Pay attention to the word form before and after the pattern. Many beginner mistakes happen because the meaning is understood, but the grammar is attached to the wrong form. ## When is とき used? Use **とき** in situations like: - time clauses - memories - instructions and habits Tone and register: - neutral and common - Common in daily speech, textbook examples, and beginner JLPT questions ## とき example sentences
子こどものとき、よく泳およぎました。
When I was a child, I often swam.
past experience
日本にほんへ行いくとき、パスポートが必要ひつようです。
When you go to Japan, you need a passport.
future requirement
寒さむいとき、コートを着きます。
When it is cold, I wear a coat.
habit state
暇ひまなとき、本ほんを読よみます。
When I am free, I read books.
habit state
寝ねるとき、電気でんきを消けします。
When I sleep, I turn off the light.
routine action
Read the Japanese sentence first, then check the English translation. Try to notice what the grammar point contributes: question, contrast, reason, time limit, suggestion, negation, comparison, or obligation. ## Nuance of とき The key nuance is **sets the time or situation for the main sentence**. This matters because beginner Japanese often uses small words and endings to show meaning that English expresses with word order or helper verbs. For **とき**, the sentence can change a lot depending on placement and context. For example: - In conversation, it helps the listener understand sets the time or situation for the main sentence. - Compared with **たら**, it has a different job even when the English translation looks close. ## とき vs たら Both **とき** and **たら** can express related ideas, but they are different.
とき
focuses on the time when something is true
does not always imply condition
子こどものとき、よく泳およぎました。
When I was a child, I often swam.
vs
たら
often means "if/when" and can sound conditional
focuses on what happens after a condition is met
時間じかんがあったら、泳およぎます。
If/when I have time, I will swim.
If you are unsure which one to use, ask what the sentence is trying to do: ask a question, connect ideas, show a reason, mark time, make an invitation, compare two things, or express obligation. ## Common mistakes with とき
❌
子こどもとき、よく泳およぎました。
✅
子こどものとき、よく泳およぎました。
Forgetting の after nouns before とき
❌
子こどものとき、よく泳およます。
✅
子こどものとき、よく泳およぎました。
Confusing present and past forms before とき
❌
時間じかんがあるとき、泳およぎます。
✅
時間じかんがあったら、泳およぎます。
Using とき when a conditional meaning needs たら
A good study habit is to write one short sentence and then change only the grammar point. This makes the difference between similar patterns easier to feel. ## Is とき on the JLPT?
N5

Yes. とき is commonly taught as JLPT N5 grammar.

  • recognize it in reading
  • understand its nuance in context
  • use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, do not only memorize the English gloss. Practice identifying the words around the grammar point, because JLPT questions often test structure and context together.

## Practice questions for とき
1 Say when you are free, you read. habit
2 Say when it is cold, you wear a coat. state
3 Talk about when you were a child. past
Keep the sentences short at first. Once the form feels natural, add time words, places, reasons, or contrast to make the sentence more realistic. ## Learning path for とき
1
Make one short sentence with とき and check the form. Put the event on a timeline before translating.
2
Compare it with 前に（まえに） to see how time-order grammar differs.
3
Add てから or それから to see how the basic meaning changes.
4
Write one example with a different subject or time word, then contrast it with a related pattern.
## Related grammar to review next - [前に（まえに）](/blog/n5-mae-ni/) — helps compare time order, sequence, continuing state, and experience. - [てから](/blog/n5-te-kara/) — helps compare time order, sequence, continuing state, and experience. - [それから](/blog/n5-sore-kara/) — helps compare time order, sequence, continuing state, and experience. - [まで](/blog/n5-made/) — helps compare time order, sequence, continuing state, and experience. ## Learn とき with Hane If you want to review **とき** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N5 grammar lessons](/blog/n5/)