とき

when

The particle 'とき' indicates the time or moment in which something happens. It can be used to refer to specific times in the past, present, or future.

N5

Meaning

when

The particle 'とき' indicates the time or moment in which something happens. It can be used to refer to specific times in the past, present, or future.

Formation

Noun + のとき
Verb (dictionary form) + とき

Explanation

「とき」 is a grammatical marker used to indicate the time when an action takes place or a condition exists. It can be attached to both nouns and verbs.

When used with nouns, the structure is Noun + のとき, which means 'at the time of' or 'when'. For example, 学生[がくせい]のとき means 'when I was a student'. For verbs, the structure is Verb (dictionary form) + とき, meaning 'when (doing something)'.

This grammar point is essential for learners as it helps to outline events in time, making conversations richer and more contextual. It is often used in everyday conversation, and being able to utilize 'とき' will enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Japanese.