Translation guide
Expresses that something happens at the same time as another event. Japanese uses several patterns depending on whether the event is a noun, a verb, or a formal situation.
To say 'at the time of X' where X is a noun (e.g., accident, meeting, departure).
The most common and versatile pattern. 'Nの時' means 'at the time of N'. Adding に makes the time reference more specific, but it can be omitted in casual speech.
事故の時に、彼は現場にいました。
At the time of the accident, he was at the scene.
At the time of departure, it was raining.
More formal than 時. Often used in written or official contexts. に is optional but common.
お申し込みの際に、こちらの書類をご提出ください。
At the time of application, please submit these documents.
Very formal, often used in speeches or ceremonies. Implies 'on the occasion of' or 'at the start of'.
開会に当たって、一言ご挨拶申し上げます。
At the time of the opening, I would like to say a few words.
To say 'at the time of doing something' or 'when something happens'.
Used when the action in the subordinate clause happens before or at the same time as the main clause. The verb is in the plain form.
日本に行く時に、パスポートを確認した。
At the time of going to Japan, I checked my passport.
寝る時に、窓を閉めます。
At the time of sleeping, I close the window.
Emphasizes that the action is in progress at the time. Equivalent to 'while doing'.
運転している時に、電話がかかってきた。
At the time I was driving, the phone rang.
Formal version of 時 for actions. Common in written instructions or official notices.
ご利用になる際に、注意事項をお読みください。
At the time of use, please read the precautions.
To refer to a historical moment or a defined time frame.
Means 'at that time' or 'in those days'. Used for past periods. The time expression can be a year, era, or event.
1990年代当時、インターネットは普及していなかった。
At the time of the 1990s, the internet was not widespread.
戦争当時、彼はまだ子供だった。
At the time of the war, he was still a child.
Focuses on a specific point in time, often used in business or technical contexts. 'As of (a time)'.
昨日の時点で、応募者は100人を超えた。
At the time of yesterday, the number of applicants exceeded 100.
時 (とき) is the general-purpose word for 'time' and is used in most situations. 際 (さい) is more formal and often appears in written language or polite speech. 当時 (とうじ) specifically refers to a past time period and is not used for future events.
子供の時、よく公園で遊んだ。
When I was a child, I often played in the park.
お降りの際は、お忘れ物にご注意ください。
At the time of getting off, please be careful not to forget anything.
学生当時、彼はとても真面目だった。
At the time he was a student, he was very serious.
English 'at the time of' cannot be directly translated into a single Japanese word. You must choose the appropriate pattern based on the context. Using 時 (とき) is the safest default.