に付け
Whenever, Every time something happens
Structure
Noun + につけ（て）
Explanation
Much like につき, the grammar point につけ suggests that an action or feeling is closely 'attached' to a particular event (A). However, its origin is different; につけ is formed by combining the particle に with the conjunctive form of the る-Verb 付ける, which means 'to attach' or 'to add'.
When using につけ, the common English equivalent is 'every time (A)' or 'whenever (A)'. The second part of the sentence, (B), typically expresses the speaker's personal thoughts or feelings that arise in response to (A). Furthermore, the event in (B) is always presented as a natural and spontaneous reaction to (A).
This grammar structure can follow both verbs and nouns in their dictionary forms.
- この歌を聞くにつけ、学生時代を思い出して、なつかしくなる。Every time I hear this song, I'm reminded of my student days and feel nostalgic.
- この公園の桜を見るにつけ、祖母との思い出がよみがえる。Whenever I see the cherry blossoms in this park, memories of my grandmother come flooding back.
- 兄は何かにつけ、不満を言って家族を困らせる。My older brother finds something to complain about at every turn, which troubles the whole family.
- 息子の成長を見るにつけ、嬉しいやら寂しいやらで複雑な気持ちになる。Every time I see my son growing up, I get mixed feelings of happiness and sadness.
You may also encounter the longer form につけて, although the shorter version is significantly more common in modern use.
- 昔の苦労を思い出すにつけて、今の幸せが身に染みる。Whenever I recall my past hardships, I deeply appreciate the happiness I have now.
- そのミュージシャンの曲を聞くにつけて、なんてすごい才能なんだろうと感心する。Every time I listen to that musician's songs, I can't help but be impressed by what incredible talent they have.
Caution
This is considered a somewhat dated grammar pattern, so it is most frequently encountered in literature or in media set in a specific historical period.
Examples
この歌を聞くに付け、大学時代を思い出す。
Every time I hear this song, I'm reminded of my university days.
そのドラマを見るに付けて、主演俳優のファンになった。
Every time I watched that drama, I became more and more of a fan of the lead actor.
良いに付け悪いに付け、彼はいつも私のそばにいてくれた。
Whether things were good or bad, he was always by my side.
私の祖母は何かに付けて、お菓子をくれる。
My grandmother finds any and every occasion to give me sweets.
ピアノを練習するに付け、少しずつ上手になっているのが実感できる。
Every time I practice the piano, I can really feel myself getting a little better.
新しいレシピを試すに付け、なぜか失敗してしまう。
Whenever I try a new recipe, I end up failing for some reason.
痩せた野良猫を見るに付けて、可哀想で胸が痛む。
Whenever I see a skinny stray cat, my heart aches with pity for it.
この本を読むに付け、新しい発見がある。
Every time I read this book, I discover something new.
彼の冗談を聞くに付け、みんなが笑い出す。
Whenever he tells a joke, everyone bursts out laughing.
田中さんと仕事をするに付けて、彼の真面目さが分かってきた。
Whenever I work with Tanaka-san, I come to understand his serious nature more and more.
家族の写真を見るに付け、ホームシックになる。
Every time I look at my family photo, I get homesick.
この街の古い建物を目にするに付け、昔の人々の暮らしに思いを馳せる。
Whenever I catch sight of the old buildings in this town, I find myself thinking about the lives of the people from long ago.