〜ともなると / 〜ともなれば (when it comes to being at the level of)
N1 grammar pattern 〜ともなると/〜ともなれば: when it comes to reaching the level/stage/position of X, certain things naturally follow. Formal register.
〜ともなると / 〜ともなれば
Formality Level: Formal / Semi-formal — formal speech, essays, news commentary
Classical/Literary Origin: とも combines the quotative と with the inclusive particle も ("even"). なると (from なる, "to become") and なれば (classical conditional of なる) both express the moment of reaching or becoming a certain level or stage. The pattern entered modern Japanese through formal written and journalistic style.
Structure
| Form | Usage |
|---|---|
| Noun + ともなると | 大統領ともなると |
| Noun + ともなれば | 部長ともなれば |
| Plain volitional + ともなると | 引退するともなると |
Note: Both 〜ともなると and 〜ともなれば are largely interchangeable. 〜ともなれば is slightly more literary/formal.
Meaning
"When it comes to the level/stage/position of X / Once one reaches X, naturally Y follows."
The pattern expresses that once someone or something reaches a particular level, stage, or position, certain consequences, expectations, or responsibilities naturally follow. It implies that the level of X is high or noteworthy enough that Y is an expected or necessary consequence.
Example Sentences
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| 大臣ともなれば、言動の一つひとつが社会的影響を持つ。 | When one reaches the level of a cabinet minister, every word and action carries social implications. |
| 一流企業の社長ともなると、個人の時間などほとんど持てない。 | Once one reaches the level of president of a leading company, one has almost no personal time. |
| オリンピック代表ともなれば、練習の質も量も通常の選手とは比べ物にならない。 | When it comes to Olympic representatives, the quality and quantity of training is incomparable to that of ordinary athletes. |
| 老舗料亭が移転するともなると、地域の文化的喪失として広く報道される。 | Once a long-established traditional restaurant comes to relocate, it is widely reported as a cultural loss for the region. |
| 国家間の条約の批准ともなれば、議会での審議が不可欠となる。 | When it comes to ratifying a treaty between nations, parliamentary deliberation becomes indispensable. |
| 作家として著名な賞を受賞するともなると、作品への批評眼も否応なく厳しくなる。 | Once a writer reaches the level of winning a prestigious prize, the critical eye applied to their work inevitably becomes sharper. |
Comparison with N2 Equivalent
| Pattern | Register | Meaning | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 〜ともなると/ともなれば | Formal | Reaching a high level, natural consequences follow | Implies high level or notable stage; evaluative |
| 〜になると | All registers | When it becomes X | Neutral; no implication of high level or special consequences |
| 〜となると | Semi-formal | When the matter comes to X | Closer to ともなると but less emphasis on level/scale |
When NOT to Use
- Do not use for ordinary events or low levels: ❌ 学生ともなると、授業がある。(Level must be notable or significant enough to naturally generate consequences)
- Do not use for purely neutral time/conditional statements: ❌ 春ともなると、桜が咲く。(Acceptable as a set phrase, but the primary use is for person/institution/stage)
- Cannot be used with hypothetical unrealised states: Use 〜ともなれば for slightly more hypothetical framing than 〜ともなると (which implies the situation exists or is realistic).