Japanese word

際

Pronunciation

Romajisai

Meaning

  • nounwhen

Example

出かける際は、電気を消します。de ka ke ru sai wa den ki o ke shi ma su

When I go out, I turn off the lights.

Illustration for 際 (when)

More examples

申し込みの際は、名前と住所を書きます。mō shi ko mi no sai wa na mae to jū sho o ka ki ma su

When I apply, I write my name and address.

Core concept

Marks the specific time or circumstance at which something happens, often in formal phrasing.

Common phrases

  • 際にsai ni

    when

  • その際so no sai

    on that occasion

Similar words

時toki: A point or period when an event or action occurs.
場合baai: A particular situation or set of conditions in which something occurs or is done.

Definition in Japanese

ある事柄が起こる時や、ある行動をする場合。a ru koto gara ga o ko ru toki ya a ru kō dō o su ru ba ai

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese noun 際 (sai, "occasion or point in time") comes from the Chinese character 際, whose older sense is a boundary or point of contact; this sense extends to a particular occasion.

Usage tips

  • The expression 際に (sai ni) is common in formal notices and announcements, where everyday conversation more often uses ときに (toki ni).

Other meanings

  • casenoun
  • occasionnoun

Word lists with this word