とき・ちょくごに

Question 1

What grammar is used to mean “at the time of” in formal contexts?
例: 工事を始める______、近所の住民にあいさつをした。

Answer 1

際（に）
意味: “When/at the time of” (formal).
接続: Verb-dict/Noun + の + 際（に）
例文訳: “When starting construction, they greeted the local residents.”

Question 2

Which grammar indicates preparation for a significant event?
例: 国際会議を開催する______、関係者の協力を得た。

Answer 2

に際して/にあたって
意味: “On the occasion of” (often for positive/planned events).
接続: Verb-dict/Noun + に際して/にあたって
例文訳: “When holding the international conference, we received support from involved parties.”

Question 3

What grammar describes an unexpected event happening immediately after an action?
例: 窓を開けた______、強い風が吹き込んできた。

Answer 3

～たとたん（に）
意味: “As soon as… (something unexpected happens).”
接続: Verb-た形 + とたん（に）
例文訳: “As soon as I opened the window, a strong wind blew in.”
注意:
- Used with instantaneous actions (e.g., 開ける、変わる).
- Cannot follow with volitional expressions (e.g., ～よう、～なさい).

Question 4

Which grammar indicates one event quickly followed by another, often surprising change?
例: 空が暗くなった______、大雨が降り出した。

Answer 4

～（か）と思うと・～（か）と思ったら
意味: “No sooner than… / Hardly had… when…”
接続: Verb-た形 + （か）と思うと・（か）と思ったら
例文訳: “No sooner had the sky darkened than it started pouring.”
注意:
- Not used for the speaker’s own actions.
- Implies rapid, unexpected changes.

Question 5

What grammar describes two actions happening almost simultaneously?
例: 彼は椅子に座る______、眠ってしまった。

Answer 5

～か～ないかのうちに
意味: “Almost at the same time as…”
接続: Verb-辞書形/た形 + か + Verb-ない形 + かのうちに
例文訳: “He fell asleep almost as soon as he sat on the chair.”
注意:
- Used with instantaneous verbs (e.g., 座る、寝る).
- Stronger emphasis on simultaneity than ～（か）と思うと.