とき means when; at the time. It is a JLPT N5 Japanese grammar pattern used to talk about the time when something happens or happened.
This grammar point appears often in beginner conversations, classroom Japanese, and JLPT-style questions. If you want to talk about the time when something happens or happened, とき is a useful pattern to learn because it helps you build natural basic sentences.
What does とき mean?
Use とき when you want to talk about the time when something happens or happened.
Natural translations include:
- when
- at the time
- when; at the time
The exact English translation changes with context. Focus on the role of the grammar point in the sentence first, then choose the English phrase that sounds natural.
How to form とき
Verb/adjective/noun phrase + とき
Examples of the pattern:
- 行くとき
- 子どものとき
- 寒いとき
Pay attention to the word form before and after the pattern. Many beginner mistakes happen because the meaning is understood, but the grammar is attached to the wrong form.
When is とき used?
Use とき in situations like:
- time clauses
- memories
- instructions and habits
Tone and register:
- neutral and common
- Common in daily speech, textbook examples, and beginner JLPT questions
とき example sentences
- 子どものとき、よく泳ぎました。 — When I was a child, I often swam.
- 日本へ行くとき、パスポートが必要です。 — When you go to Japan, you need a passport.
- 寒いとき、コートを着ます。 — When it is cold, I wear a coat.
- 暇なとき、本を読みます。 — When I am free, I read books.
- 寝るとき、電気を消します。 — When I sleep, I turn off the light.
Read the Japanese sentence first, then check the English translation. Try to notice what the grammar point contributes: question, contrast, reason, time limit, suggestion, negation, comparison, or obligation.
Nuance of とき
The key nuance is sets the time or situation for the main sentence.
This matters because beginner Japanese often uses small words and endings to show meaning that English expresses with word order or helper verbs. For とき, the sentence can change a lot depending on placement and context.
For example:
- In conversation, it helps the listener understand sets the time or situation for the main sentence.
- Compared with たら, it has a different job even when the English translation looks close.
とき vs たら
Both とき and たら can express related ideas, but they are different.
とき:
- focuses on the time when something is true
- does not always imply condition
たら:
- often means “if/when” and can sound conditional
- focuses on what happens after a condition is met
Quick contrast examples:
- 子どものとき、よく泳ぎました。— When I was a child, I often swam.
- 時間があったら、泳ぎます。— If/when I have time, I will swim.
If you are unsure which one to use, ask what the sentence is trying to do: ask a question, connect ideas, show a reason, mark time, make an invitation, compare two things, or express obligation.
Common mistakes with とき
Watch out for these mistakes:
- Forgetting の after nouns before とき
- Confusing present and past forms before とき
- Using とき when a conditional meaning needs たら
A good study habit is to write one short sentence and then change only the grammar point. This makes the difference between similar patterns easier to feel.
Is とき on the JLPT?
Yes. とき is commonly taught as JLPT N5 grammar.
That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences
For test preparation, do not only memorize the English gloss. Practice identifying the words around the grammar point, because JLPT questions often test structure and context together.
Practice questions for とき
Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Say when you are free, you read.
- Say when it is cold, you wear a coat.
- Talk about when you were a child.
Keep the sentences short at first. Once the form feels natural, add time words, places, reasons, or contrast to make the sentence more realistic.
Learn とき with Kanjiru
If you want to review とき together with kanji, vocabulary, and other JLPT N5 patterns, Kanjiru helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.
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