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
Examples of the pattern:
- 行くとき
- 子どものとき
- 寒いとき
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
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.
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
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?
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
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
Related grammar to review next
- 前に（まえに） — helps compare time order, sequence, continuing state, and experience.
- てから — helps compare time order, sequence, continuing state, and experience.
- それから — helps compare time order, sequence, continuing state, and experience.
- まで — 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:
FAQ about とき
What does とき mean in Japanese?
とき means “when; at the time” in Japanese. It is an N5 grammar point, and this lesson explains its formation, nuance, example sentences, common mistakes, and similar grammar.
Is とき on the JLPT?
とき is taught as N5 Japanese grammar in Hane's grammar lesson archive. Review it with examples, usage notes, and related N5 patterns.
How should I practice とき?
Read several example sentences, identify the form before and after とき, then make your own short sentences and compare it with nearby grammar points.