折には
When, Occasion, Opportunity, Time
Structure
［い］Adjective + 折（に(1)）
［な］Adjective + な + 折（に(1)）
Noun + の + 折（に(1)）
(1) には、は
Explanation
When the noun 折, meaning 'occasion' or 'chance', is used with the case marking particle に, it specifies a particular time that presents a good opportunity for an action. It is commonly translated as 'at the time of (A)' or 'on the occasion of (A)'. This expression acts as a formal, generally positive substitute for 時に, although it can sometimes describe a negative situation.
折に can follow any word or phrase that is able to modify a noun. However, it will most frequently be seen after verbs in their standard forms, or after nouns that are followed by の.
- 次の会議の折には、この資料を持ってきてください。On the occasion of the next meeting, please bring these documents.
- 京都へ行った折に、有名なお寺をいくつか見ました。When I had the chance to go to Kyoto, I saw several famous temples.
- 引っ越しの折に、古い家具をたくさん捨てました。At the time of my move, I threw away a lot of old furniture.
It is also possible to see this grammar point as 折には, however, the emphatic particle は is frequently omitted.
Typically, 折に is used for special occasions or recurring opportunities, rather than just any single point in time.
Caution
折 is part of a number of set phrases, each carrying a distinct nuance.
- 折に触れて - Each time the occasion (A) arises, (B).
- 折があれば - If an opportunity for (A) arises, (B).
- 折を見て - When a suitable opportunity for (A) comes up.
- 折も折 - At the most inconvenient time of (A).
Examples
ご多忙な折に恐縮ですが、ご確認をお願いいたします。
I apologize for bothering you at such a busy time, but could you please confirm this for me?
寒い折から、どうぞお体を大切になさってください。
As this is a cold time of year, please take good care of yourself.
こちらの方面へお出かけになる折には、ぜひお立ち寄りください。
On the chance that you are out this way, please be sure to drop by.
東京へお越しになる折には、ぜひご連絡ください。
When you come to Tokyo, please be sure to get in touch.
弊社のサービスをご利用になる折には、こちらのパンフレットをご参照ください。
When using our company's services, please refer to this pamphlet.
先日、うちに来てくださった折に、お気に召したワインをお送りします。
I'll send you the wine that you liked on the occasion of your visit the other day.
次回の会議の折に、この件について詳しくお話しします。
I will discuss this matter in detail on the occasion of our next meeting.
日記：「幼い頃、祖母の家に泊まった折に、たくさんの昔話を聞かせてもらった。」
Diary: 'When I stayed at my grandmother's house as a child, she told me lots of old folk tales.'
祝辞：「ご結婚の折に、お二人の末永いお幸せをお祈りいたします。」
Congratulatory address: 'On this happy occasion of your wedding, I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.'
前回お目にかかった折にお渡しできなかった書類を郵送いたしました。
I've mailed the documents I wasn't able to give you when we met last time.
父は折に触れて、戦争時代の苦労話を語った。
My father would tell stories of his hardships during the war whenever the occasion arose.
会社の創立記念パーティー：「創立50周年の折に、皆様とこの喜びを分かち合えることを光栄に思います。」
Company Anniversary Party: 'On this occasion of our 50th anniversary, I am honored to be able to share this joy with all of you.'