〜にあたって / 〜に当たり — JLPT N2 Grammar
Learn 〜にあたって and 〜に当たり to mark significant occasions — openings, ceremonies, launches — in formal Japanese speeches and documents.
Pattern
〜にあたって / 〜に当たり / 〜に当たって (ni atatte / ni atari)
Structure
- Verb (dictionary form) + にあたって / に当たり
- Noun + にあたって / に当たり
- 〜に当たり is the more formal written variant
Formality Level
Highly formal — ceremonial speeches, official company announcements, prefaces to official documents, opening addresses. 〜に当たり is slightly more formal/condensed than 〜にあたって.
Meaning
"On the occasion of X," "in approaching X," "at this significant moment of X." Marks X as a significant beginning, milestone, or important undertaking that justifies the following action, preparation, or speech. The occasion marked is always socially or institutionally significant.
This pattern signals to the audience that what follows is a special statement or action appropriate to the gravity of the occasion.
Examples
| Japanese | Reading | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| 新年度を迎えるにあたって、一言申し上げます。 | しんねんどをむかえるにあたって、ひとこともうしあげます。 | shinnen-do o mukaeru ni atatte, hitokoto mōshiagemasu. | On the occasion of welcoming the new fiscal year, I would like to say a few words. |
| 事業を開始するにあたり、関係各位のご支援をお願いします。 | じぎょうをかいしするにあたり、かんけいかくいのごしえんをおねがいします。 | jigyō o kaishi suru ni atari, kankei kakui no go-shien o onegai shimasu. | On the occasion of launching the business, we request the support of all concerned parties. |
| 本書の刊行にあたって、ご協力いただいた方々に感謝します。 | ほんしょのかんこうにあたって、ごきょうりょくいただいたかたがたにかんしゃします。 | hon-sho no kankō ni atatte, go-kyōryoku itadaita kata-gata ni kansha shimasu. | On the occasion of publishing this book, I thank all those who cooperated. |
| 竣工式に当たり、関係者の皆様に御礼申し上げます。 | しゅんこうしきにあたり、かんけいしゃのみなさまにおれいもうしあげます。 | shunkōshiki ni atari, kankei-sha no mina-sama ni o-rei mōshiagemasu. | On the occasion of the completion ceremony, I extend my gratitude to all concerned parties. |
| 留学するにあたって、十分な準備が必要だ。 | りゅうがくするにあたって、じゅうぶんなじゅんびがひつようだ。 | ryūgaku suru ni atatte, jūbun na junbi ga hitsuyō da. | In approaching studying abroad, sufficient preparation is necessary. |
Critical Distinction from 〜に際して
| Pattern | Focus | Typical Use | Contents that follow |
|---|---|---|---|
| 〜にあたって | Significance of the occasion; special moment | Opening speeches, preambles | Greetings, declarations, preparations |
| 〜に際して | Procedural context: "at the time of" doing X | Manuals, notices, instructions | What to do, what to bring, requirements |
Test:
- Is this a significant ceremony/occasion with a speech? → にあたって
- Is this a procedural notice about what happens/is required when doing X? → に際して
Example:
- 入社にあたり、一言ご挨拶申し上げます (joining the company → speech: にあたり ✓)
- 入社に際し、健康診断書を提出してください (joining the company → procedural requirement: に際し ✓)
Common Mistakes
- ❌ 昼食を食べるにあたって、手を洗う → Eating lunch is not a significant enough occasion. Use: 食べる前に.
- ❌ にあたって and に際して used interchangeably → see distinction table above.
- ✓ 創立記念式典にあたり (appropriate — significant institutional occasion)