～となると (when it comes to / if it turns out that)

• Reading: となると
• Romaji: to naru to
• Formation: Noun / Verb plain form / Sentence + となると

Meaning

A conjunction expressing that when a certain condition or situation arises, a particular consequence or consideration follows. It conveys 'when it comes to,' 'if it is true that,' or 'once it becomes the case that.'

となると sets up a hypothetical or newly realized condition and then draws out its implications. It often introduces a shift in perspective — the speaker considers new information and reasons about its consequences. Unlike simple と conditionals, となると emphasizes the gravity or significance of the premise. It is commonly used when reacting to news or reassessing a situation. The related form ともなると adds emphasis, meaning 'once it reaches the level of.' Both are common in spoken and written Japanese.

Examples

1. 海外に引っ越すとなると、準備がたくさん必要だ。 When it comes to moving overseas, a lot of preparation is needed.
2. 彼が辞めるとなると、後任を早く探さなければならない。 If he is going to resign, we need to find a replacement quickly.
3. 社長自ら出席するとなると、会議の雰囲気も変わるだろう。 If the president himself is attending, the atmosphere of the meeting will probably change.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, written, everyday, business

Tone: deliberative

Do Say

• 一人暮らしをするとなると、家賃だけでもかなりかかる。
• 試験が来週に変更されたとなると、今から勉強を始めないと間に合わない。
• 百人以上が参加するとなると、もっと広い会場が必要だ。

Don't Say

• 雨が降るとなると、傘を持っていく。(Simple habitual actions use plain と conditional; となると implies a significant situational shift) → 雨が降ると、傘を持っていく。
• 毎日走るとなると、健康になる。(Routine cause-and-effect is better expressed with と or ば; となると frames a noteworthy new premise) → 毎日走ると、健康になる。

Origin & History

Combines the resultative particle と, なる (to become), and the conditional と. The phrase literally means 'when it becomes such that,' emphasizing the moment a new condition is established and its natural consequences.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal