～に当たって / ～に当たり

• Reading: にあたって
• Romaji: ni atatte
• Formation: Verb dictionary form + に当たって + Predicate / Noun + に当たって + Predicate
• Kanji breakdown: 当 (tou/a) = hit, apply, correspond

Meaning

Indicates the occasion or timing of an important event, meaning 'on the occasion of' or 'when doing something.' Used to mark a significant moment that calls for special preparation or attention.

This compound particle marks an important occasion or event that requires special consideration, preparation, or formality. It is used when beginning something significant — a new project, a ceremony, a major decision — and signals that what follows is done in relation to that occasion. に当たって and に当たり are interchangeable, with に当たり being slightly more formal and literary. Unlike とき, which neutrally indicates time, に当たって carries a sense of significance and formality about the occasion. It frequently appears in speeches, official announcements, and written contexts where the gravity of a moment is acknowledged.

Examples

1. 新しい事業を始めるに当たって市場調査を行った。 We conducted market research when starting the new business.
2. 卒業に当たり先生方にお礼を申し上げます。 On the occasion of graduation, I would like to express my gratitude to the teachers.
3. 契約するに当たって注意すべき点を確認した。 I confirmed the points to be careful about when signing the contract.

Usage Guide

Context: written, formal speech, ceremonies

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 留学するに当たって必要な書類を準備した。
• 新年に当たり皆様のご健康をお祈りします。
• 転職するに当たって家族と十分に話し合った。

Don't Say

• 新しい事業を始めるのに当たって調査した。(Inserting の before に当たって with a verb — verbs connect directly without の) → 新しい事業を始めるに当たって調査した。
• 昼ご飯を食べるに当たって手を洗った。(Using に当たって for a trivial everyday action — this pattern is reserved for significant or formal occasions) → 昼ご飯を食べる前に手を洗った。

Origin & History

Compound of に and 当たって (te-form of 当たる, to hit/correspond to). The kanji 当 means hit or applicable, here conveying the sense of arriving at or facing a particular moment.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal