際

• Reading: さい
• Romaji: sai
• Kanji breakdown: 際 (sai/kiwa) — occasion, time, boundary
• Pronunciation: /sa.i/

Meaning

On the occasion of; at the time of; circumstances. Used to mark a specific timing or situation.

A noun commonly used in formal or written Japanese to indicate timing or occasion. Follows the pattern Vる/Nの + 際(に), meaning 'when' or 'at the time of.' More formal than 時 (toki). Also used in compounds like 国際 (international) and 実際 (actually, in reality).

Examples

1. お申し込みの際は、身分証明書をお持ちください。 Please bring your ID when applying.
2. 出発の際に忘れ物がないか確認した。 I checked for any forgotten items at the time of departure.
3. 何かお困りの際はスタッフにお声がけください。 If you need any assistance, please don't hesitate to ask a staff member.

Usage Guide

Context: announcements, instructions, written language

Tone: polite

Origin & History

The kanji 際 combines 阝 (hill/mound radical) and 祭 (festival). Originally meant 'boundary' or 'edge,' later extended to mean 'occasion' or 'juncture' — the boundary point at which something occurs.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal